The tournament joins the US and Aussie Opens in employing replay systems.
Replay technology will be launched at The Championships for the 2025 edition.
Competitors are granted the option to question particular decisions made by the chair umpire, following the practice currently in place at both the US Open and the Australian Open.
This technology is slated for use on the main stadium and Court One for the duration of the tournament and on the remaining show courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This development arrives only a year after the AELTC introduced electronic line calling, which effectively ended the 147-year role of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Competitors will not be permitted to dispute the call of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to ask for the official to review specific decisions, including:
- If a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a shot touched an opponent's racquet or person on the way past.
- Possible interference end of a rally.
Importantly, there will be no limit on the amount of reviews a competitor can initiate.
A Recent Example
An illustrative incident occurred in a recent tournament recently, where a top player used the review system against Jack Draper.
Draper admitted it was a tough situation for the official, but thought his opponent had "used the regulations quite well."
The umpire viewed a video and ruled Draper was responsible for hindrance, awarding the rally to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
This technology aren't exclusive to Grand Slams. The system has been in use at the American major for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the men's ATP Tour will have video reviews implemented at all of its events.
Additional Innovations
A further change at Wimbledon this year will be the introduction of visual indicators on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses instances where spectators have occasionally been unsure if a shot was in or out.
Finally, with precisely 100 days remaining until the beginning of the Championships, the AELTC have also revealed an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
