The tournament joins the American and Aussie Opens in employing video review technology.
Video review technology will make its debut at The Championships for the 2025 edition.
Players are granted the right to question certain decisions from the chair umpire, following the protocol already in use at each of the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
This technology will be accessible on Centre Court and Court One for the duration of the tournament and on the remaining show courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This step follows just a year after the All England Club introduced electronic line calling, which effectively ended the centuries-old tradition of line judges.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Players will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the ELC system, but they can request the umpire to re-examine specific decisions, such as:
- If a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot touched an opponent's racquet or person during play.
- Possible hindrance end of a rally.
Importantly, there will be no limit on the number of reviews a competitor can initiate.
Practical Application
An illustrative example occurred in Indian Wells last week, where a top player used the review system against his opponent.
Draper conceded it was a tough situation for the umpire, but thought his rival had "used the regulations quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a video and ruled the player was guilty of hindrance, granting the point to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
Video reviews aren't exclusive to Grand Slams. It has been in use at the American major for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the ATP circuit will have video reviews implemented at all of its events.
Additional Innovations
Another change at The Championships 2025 will be the introduction of visual indicators on displays to support the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This solves situations where spectators have sometimes been unsure if a shot was out or in.
Finally, with exactly 100 days to go until the start of the Championships, organizers have also announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
