The tournament joins the US and Australian Opens in implementing video review systems.
Video review technology will be launched at The Championships this year.
Players will gain the option to contest certain calls made by the chair umpire, echoing the system currently in place at both the US Open and the Aussie major.
This technology will be accessible on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the tournament and on the other four show courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This step comes just a season following the AELTC implemented electronic line calling, which effectively ended the longstanding role of line judges.
Reviewable Decisions
Players will not be permitted to dispute the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to ask for the official to re-examine specific decisions, such as:
- If a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a ball made contact with an rival's racket or body on the way past.
- Possible interference at the conclusion of a point.
Importantly, there will be no cap on the number of challenges a competitor can initiate.
Practical Application
An illustrative case took place in Indian Wells recently, where a top player initiated the video challenge against Jack Draper.
The British player conceded it was a difficult call for the official, but thought his opponent had "used the regulations quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a replay and determined the player was responsible for hindrance, awarding the point to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
Video reviews aren't exclusive to major tournaments. The system has been in use at the US Open since 2023 and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the ATP circuit will have video reviews in place at every one of its tournaments.
Other Changes
Another change at The Championships 2025 involves the introduction of visual indicators on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This solves instances where fans have sometimes been uncertain if a shot was out or in.
Finally, with precisely 100 days to go until the beginning of the Championships, organizers have also announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
