Wimbledon will introduce video review technology for the first time in its history this year, marking a significant shift in how line calls are adjudicated at the world's most prestigious tennis tournament. Players will be permitted to challenge certain decisions made by the chair umpire, bringing the Grand Slam in line with practices already in place at the US Open and the Australian Open. The announcement represents one of the most notable rule changes at the All England Club in recent memory.
Under the new system, each player will be granted three unsuccessful challenges per set, with an additional challenge available during a tiebreak. Challenges will be reviewed using video technology to determine whether a ball was in or out. If a challenge proves successful, the player retains that challenge, a format familiar to fans who have watched the system operate at other major tournaments.
The move comes after Wimbledon controversially removed electronic line-calling technology in 2024, a decision that drew criticism from several high-profile players, including world number one Jannik Sinner. The tournament had previously used Hawk-Eye electronic line-calling but opted to revert to human line judges, a choice that placed it at odds with the broader trend across professional tennis. The reintroduction of technology-assisted officiating this year appears to be a direct response to that backlash.
Sally Bolton, Chief Executive of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, acknowledged the decision had not been straightforward. "Wimbledon is a unique environment," Bolton said, noting that the club had worked to find a solution that respected the tournament's traditions while addressing concerns about officiating accuracy. The new video review system will apply to both the men's and women's singles draws throughout the fortnight.
The technology will cover all show courts at the Championships, though the precise logistics of how reviews will be displayed to spectators have not yet been fully detailed by the All England Club. Officials have indicated that line judges will remain present on court, distinguishing Wimbledon's approach from tournaments that have moved entirely to automated line-calling without human officials. The hybrid model is intended to preserve the traditional atmosphere of the event while providing an additional layer of accuracy.
Wimbledon 2025 is scheduled to begin on June 30, with the new video review system set to be in operation from the first day of play. The change is expected to be closely watched by players, officials, and tennis administrators worldwide, given the tournament's status as a global benchmark for the sport. Whether the system will eventually give way to full electronic line-calling, as seen at other major events, remains an open question for future editions of the Championships.
