Wimbledon Introduces Video Challenge System This Season.
Wimbledon will follow the US and Australian Opens in implementing video review technology.
Video review technology will make its debut at Wimbledon this year.
Athletes will gain the option to contest particular decisions made by the chair umpire, mirroring the protocol already in operation at both the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
The new system will be operational on Centre Court and Court One throughout the tournament and on the other four show courts when they are staging singles contests.
This step comes just a season following the AELTC implemented electronic line calling, which brought an end to the 147-year role of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Players will not be permitted to dispute the accuracy of the ELC system, but they can request the umpire to review specific situations, such as:
- If a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a ball made contact with an opponent's racquet or person on the way past.
- Possible hindrance at the conclusion of a point.
Importantly, there will be no limit on the number of reviews a competitor can ask for.
Practical Application
An illustrative example occurred in Indian Wells recently, where a top player initiated the video challenge against Jack Draper.
The British player admitted it was a difficult call for the umpire, but believed his rival had "used the regulations quite well."
The umpire viewed a video and determined the player was guilty of hindrance, granting the rally to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
Video reviews are not new for major tournaments. It was adopted at the US Open since 2023 and the Australian Open since 2025.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the ATP circuit plans to have video reviews implemented at every one of its tournaments.
Further Updates
Another innovation at The Championships 2025 will be the introduction of visual indicators on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses situations where the crowd have sometimes been uncertain whether a ball was out or in.
Finally, with precisely 100 days remaining until the beginning of the Championships, organizers have further announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
