Wimbledon Adopts Video Review Technology for the First Time.
Wimbledon will follow the American and Australian Opens in utilizing video review systems.
Video review systems will be launched at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Athletes are granted the right to question certain calls made by the official, echoing the practice already in operation at each of the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
This technology will be accessible on the main stadium and the number one court throughout the tournament and on the other four featured courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This move follows just a year after the AELTC introduced electronic line calling, which brought an end to the longstanding tradition of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Players cannot to dispute the call of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to request the official to review other decisions, such as:
- If a ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a ball touched an opponent's racquet or body on the way past.
- Potential hindrance end of a point.
Importantly, there will be an unlimited number on the amount of reviews a competitor can request.
Case in Point
An illustrative example took place in a recent tournament recently, where a top player initiated the video challenge against his opponent.
Draper admitted it was a tough call for the official, but believed his rival had "used the regulations effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a replay and ruled Draper was responsible for interference, awarding the rally to Medvedev.
Growing Trend
This technology are not new for Grand Slams. It has been in use at the American major for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by next season the ATP circuit plans to have video reviews in place at all of its events.
Additional Innovations
Another change at Wimbledon 2025 involves the addition of visual indicators on scoreboards to complement the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses situations where fans have occasionally been uncertain if a ball was in or out.
In other news, with exactly a century of days to go until the beginning of the Championships, the AELTC have further announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
