The tournament joins the US and Australian Opens in utilizing video review technology.
Replay systems will make its debut at The Championships this year.
Competitors are granted the option to question certain decisions from the official, echoing the protocol currently in use at both the US Open and the Australian Open.
This innovation 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 hosting singles matches.
This step arrives only a season following the AELTC introduced ELC, which terminated the centuries-old tradition of line officials.
Reviewable Decisions
Players cannot to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but they can ask for the official to re-examine other decisions, such as:
- Whether a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a ball made contact with an rival's racket or body on the way past.
- Possible hindrance at the conclusion of a point.
Importantly, there will be no cap on the number of challenges a competitor can ask for.
Practical Application
An illustrative example occurred in Indian Wells recently, where Daniil Medvedev initiated the review system against his opponent.
The British player conceded it was a tough call for the umpire, but thought his rival had "played the rules effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a video and ruled the player was guilty of hindrance, awarding the point to Medvedev.
Growing Trend
Video reviews aren't new for major tournaments. The system has been in use at the American major for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the men's ATP Tour plans to have the system in place at all of its events.
Further Updates
Another change at The Championships 2025 will be the introduction of visual indicators on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This solves instances where the crowd have occasionally been unsure whether a ball was out or in.
Finally, with precisely 100 days remaining until the start of the Championships, the AELTC have further revealed an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
