The tournament joins the US and Australian Opens in implementing video review technology.
Video review systems are set to arrive at Wimbledon this year.
Competitors will gain the right to question certain decisions from the official, echoing the practice already in use at each of the US Open and the Aussie major.
This technology will be operational on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the tournament and on the other four featured courts when they are staging singles matches.
This move comes just a season following the AELTC introduced ELC, which brought an end to the centuries-old tradition of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Players will not be permitted to dispute the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but they can ask for the umpire to re-examine other situations, such as:
- If a ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a ball touched an opponent's racquet or body during play.
- Possible interference at the conclusion of a rally.
Importantly, there will be an unlimited number on the amount of challenges a competitor can request.
Case in Point
A recent incident occurred in Indian Wells recently, where a top player used the review system against his opponent.
The British player admitted it was a difficult situation for the umpire, but believed his rival had "played the rules quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a replay and ruled the player was guilty of interference, awarding the point to his opponent.
Growing Trend
Video reviews are not exclusive to Grand Slams. The system has been in use at the US Open for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the ATP circuit will have video reviews in place at every one of its tournaments.
Additional Innovations
A further change at The Championships 2025 will be the addition of visual indicators on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This solves situations where the crowd have sometimes been unsure if a ball was in or out.
Finally, with exactly a century of days remaining until the beginning of the Championships, the AELTC have further announced an increase in daily capacity at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
