The tournament joins the US and Aussie Opens in utilizing video review technology.
Video review technology are set to arrive at The Championships this year.
Competitors are granted the right to challenge specific decisions made by the chair umpire, following the system already in use at each of the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
This technology will be accessible on the main stadium and Court One for the duration of the tournament and on the remaining show courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This development comes just a year after the AELTC rolled out ELC, which effectively ended the 147-year tradition of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Competitors will not be permitted to challenge the call of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to request the umpire to review specific decisions, including:
- If a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- If a ball made contact with an opponent's racquet or person during play.
- Possible hindrance at the conclusion of a rally.
Notably, there is no limit on the number of reviews a competitor can ask for.
Case in Point
A recent example occurred in a recent tournament recently, where a top player used the review system against Jack Draper.
Draper admitted it was a difficult situation for the official, but thought his rival had "used the regulations quite well."
The umpire watched a replay and ruled Draper was responsible for interference, awarding the rally to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
Video reviews aren't new for Grand Slams. The system was adopted at the American major since 2023 and the Aussie Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the ATP circuit plans to have the system implemented at every one of its events.
Other Changes
A further innovation 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 addresses situations where spectators have sometimes been unsure whether a ball was in or out.
In other news, with exactly a century of days remaining until the beginning of the tournament, organizers have also announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
