The tournament joins the American and Aussie Opens in utilizing video review systems.
Video review systems are set to arrive at The Championships for the 2025 edition.
Competitors will gain the right to challenge certain calls made by the chair umpire, following the system currently in use at each of the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
This technology is slated for use on the main stadium and Court One for the duration of the tournament and on the other four featured courts when they are staging singles matches.
This move comes just a year after the AELTC rolled out electronic line calling, which terminated the longstanding role of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to request the umpire to re-examine specific decisions, such as:
- If a ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a ball touched an rival's racket or person on the way past.
- Potential hindrance end of a rally.
Notably, there is no limit on the number of reviews a competitor can initiate.
Practical Application
A recent example occurred in Indian Wells last week, where Daniil Medvedev initiated the video challenge against his opponent.
The British player conceded it was a tough call for the umpire, but believed his opponent had "used the regulations quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a replay and ruled the player was responsible for hindrance, awarding the point to Medvedev.
Growing Trend
Video reviews aren't new for major tournaments. It has been in use at the US Open since 2023 and the Aussie Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the ATP circuit will have the system implemented at every one of its events.
Other Changes
A further innovation at The Championships this year involves the addition of graphical cues on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses instances where fans have sometimes been uncertain if a shot was in or out.
Finally, with precisely a century of days remaining until the beginning of the tournament, the AELTC have also revealed an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
