The tournament joins the US and Aussie Opens in implementing replay systems.
Replay systems will be launched at The Championships for the 2025 edition.
Athletes will gain the right to contest specific rulings from the chair umpire, echoing the practice currently in operation at each of the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
This innovation is slated for use on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the remaining show courts when they are staging singles matches.
This development arrives only a year after the AELTC implemented electronic line calling, which effectively ended the centuries-old tradition of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Players cannot to dispute the call of the ELC system, but are allowed to request the umpire to re-examine other decisions, such as:
- Whether a ball has bounced twice.
- If a shot touched an opponent's racquet or body on the way past.
- Potential hindrance at the conclusion of a rally.
Importantly, there is an unlimited number on the amount of challenges a competitor can initiate.
Practical Application
A recent incident occurred in Indian Wells last week, where a top player used the video challenge against his opponent.
Draper conceded it was a tough call for the umpire, but believed his opponent had "played the rules effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a video and ruled Draper was responsible for interference, awarding the rally to Medvedev.
Broader Adoption
This technology aren't exclusive to Grand Slams. It 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 ATP circuit will have the system in place at every one of its tournaments.
Further Updates
Another innovation at Wimbledon 2025 will be the addition of visual indicators on scoreboards to support the audio calls from the ELC system.
This solves instances where spectators have sometimes been unsure if a ball was out or in.
Finally, with exactly 100 days remaining until the beginning of the Championships, organizers have also announced an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
