Wimbledon Introduces Video Replay System for the First Time.
The tournament joins the American and Aussie Opens in utilizing video review systems.
Replay systems are set to arrive at The Championships this year.
Competitors will gain the right to challenge specific rulings from the official, mirroring the system currently in operation at each of the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
This innovation will be operational on Centre Court and the number one court throughout the Championships and on the remaining show courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This move comes just a season following the All England Club implemented ELC, which brought an end to the centuries-old tradition of line judges.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Players will not be permitted to challenge the call of the ELC system, but are allowed to request the official to review other decisions, such as:
- Whether a ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a shot made contact with an rival's racket or body on the way past.
- Potential hindrance end of a rally.
Notably, there is no cap on the amount of reviews a competitor can request.
Practical Application
An illustrative example occurred in a recent tournament last week, where a top player used the review system against his opponent.
The British player conceded it was a difficult call for the umpire, but believed his rival had "played the rules quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a replay and determined Draper was responsible for interference, awarding the rally to his opponent.
Growing Trend
Video reviews aren't exclusive to major tournaments. The system has been in use at the American major since 2023 and the Australian Open since 2025.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the men's ATP Tour will have the system in place at all of its events.
Further Updates
A further change at The Championships 2025 involves the introduction of visual indicators on scoreboards to support the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses instances where spectators have sometimes been unsure whether a shot was out or in.
In other news, with precisely 100 days to go until the start of the tournament, the AELTC have also announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
