The tournament joins the US and Australian Opens in utilizing video review systems.
Video review systems are set to arrive at The Championships for the 2025 edition.
Athletes will gain the ability to question particular decisions made by the chair umpire, following the protocol currently in operation at each of the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
This technology will be accessible on Centre Court and Court One throughout the Championships and on the remaining featured courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This move follows just a year after the All England Club implemented ELC, which brought an end to the centuries-old role of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Players cannot to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but they can request the umpire to review other situations, such as:
- Whether a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- If a shot touched an opponent's racquet or body during play.
- Possible interference end of a point.
Importantly, there is an unlimited number on the number of challenges a competitor can ask for.
Case in Point
An illustrative example took place in Indian Wells recently, where a top player used the review system against Jack Draper.
The British player admitted it was a tough situation for the umpire, but believed his opponent had "played the rules quite well."
The umpire watched a video and determined the player was guilty of hindrance, awarding the point to his opponent.
Growing Trend
Video reviews aren't new for major tournaments. The system has been in use at the US Open since 2023 and the Aussie Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by next season the men's ATP Tour plans to have the system in place at every one of its events.
Additional Innovations
A further innovation at Wimbledon this year involves the introduction of graphical cues on displays to support the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where spectators have sometimes been uncertain whether a ball was out or in.
Finally, with exactly a century of days to go until the start of the tournament, organizers have further announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
