Wimbledon will follow the US and Australian Opens in utilizing replay systems.
Replay technology will be launched at Wimbledon for the 2025 edition.
Players are granted the ability to challenge particular calls from the chair umpire, following the practice currently in use at each of the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
This technology will be operational on Centre Court and the number one court throughout the Championships and on the other four featured courts when they are staging singles contests.
This move arrives only a year after the All England Club introduced ELC, which effectively ended the 147-year role of line judges.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Competitors will not be permitted to challenge the call of the ELC system, but are allowed to request the umpire to re-examine specific decisions, such as:
- If a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- If a ball touched an opponent's racquet or body on the way past.
- Possible interference at the conclusion of a rally.
Importantly, there will be no cap on the number of challenges a competitor can ask for.
Case in Point
A recent example took place in Indian Wells last week, where a top player used the review system against Jack Draper.
Draper admitted it was a difficult call for the official, but believed his rival had "used the regulations quite well."
The umpire watched a replay and determined the player was responsible for hindrance, granting the rally to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
This technology aren't new for Grand Slams. It has been in use at the American major for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the ATP circuit plans to have the system implemented at all of its events.
Other Changes
Another change at The Championships this year will be the addition of graphical cues on displays to support the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where fans have occasionally been uncertain whether a ball was out or in.
In other news, with exactly 100 days remaining until the beginning of the Championships, organizers have also revealed an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
