Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in utilizing replay systems.
Replay systems are set to arrive at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Competitors are granted the ability to question specific decisions from the chair umpire, echoing the practice currently in use at both the US Open and the Aussie major.
This innovation will be operational on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the tournament and on the remaining show courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This development arrives only a season following the AELTC implemented ELC, which terminated the centuries-old role of line officials.
Reviewable Decisions
Competitors will not be permitted to dispute the accuracy of the ELC system, but they can ask for the umpire to re-examine other situations, including:
- If a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- If a shot made contact with an rival's racket or body during play.
- Possible interference at the conclusion of a point.
Importantly, there will be no cap on the amount of reviews a player can ask for.
Practical Application
An illustrative case took place in Indian Wells recently, where a top player initiated the review system against his opponent.
Draper admitted it was a difficult call for the official, but thought his opponent had "used the regulations effectively."
The umpire watched a replay and ruled the player was responsible for interference, granting the rally to Medvedev.
Growing Trend
Video reviews aren't exclusive to major tournaments. It was adopted at the American major for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the ATP circuit plans to have the system implemented at every one of its tournaments.
Other Changes
Another change at The Championships 2025 will be the addition of graphical cues on scoreboards to support the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This solves instances where spectators have occasionally been unsure whether a shot was in or out.
In other news, with precisely 100 days remaining until the beginning of the tournament, organizers have also announced an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
