Wimbledon will follow the US and Australian Opens in utilizing video review systems.
Replay technology will be launched at The Championships for the 2025 edition.
Athletes will gain the right to challenge particular rulings from the official, echoing the protocol already in use at each of the US Open and the Australian Open.
This innovation is slated for use on Centre Court and the number one court for the duration of the tournament and on the remaining show courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This move follows just a season following the All England Club implemented ELC, which brought an end to the 147-year role of line judges.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Players will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to request the official to review specific situations, such as:
- Whether a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a ball touched an opponent's racquet or person during play.
- Possible hindrance at the conclusion of a rally.
Importantly, there is an unlimited number on the amount of reviews a player can initiate.
Practical Application
A recent example occurred in Indian Wells last week, where a top player initiated the review system against Jack Draper.
The British player conceded it was a difficult situation for the official, but thought his rival had "played the rules effectively."
The umpire viewed a video and ruled Draper was guilty of interference, awarding the rally to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
This technology aren't new for Grand Slams. It was adopted at the American major for two years and the Aussie Open since 2025.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the men's ATP Tour plans to have the system implemented at all of its tournaments.
Other Changes
A further change at Wimbledon this year involves the introduction of visual indicators on displays to support the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This solves situations where the crowd have sometimes been uncertain if a ball was in or out.
In other news, with exactly 100 days to go until the beginning of the tournament, organizers have further revealed an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
