Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in employing video review technology.
Replay systems will be launched at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Competitors will gain the right to challenge particular decisions from the official, following the protocol already in place at both the US Open and the Australian Open.
The new system will be operational on Centre Court and Court One for the duration of the Championships and on the remaining show courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This step arrives only a year after the AELTC implemented electronic line calling, which brought an end to the 147-year tradition of line judges.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Players will not be permitted to dispute the call of the electronic line calling, but they can ask for the official to re-examine other decisions, such as:
- If a ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a shot made contact with an opponent's racquet or person during play.
- Possible interference at the conclusion of a rally.
Importantly, there is an unlimited number on the number of challenges a player can ask for.
Practical Application
A recent example occurred in Indian Wells last week, where Daniil Medvedev initiated the review system against Jack Draper.
The British player conceded it was a difficult call for the umpire, but believed his rival had "played the rules quite well."
The umpire watched a video and ruled the player was responsible for interference, granting the point to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
Video reviews are not exclusive to major tournaments. The system was adopted at the US Open since 2023 and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the ATP circuit will have video reviews in place at all of its tournaments.
Further Updates
A further change at Wimbledon this year involves the addition of visual indicators on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses situations where spectators have occasionally been uncertain if a shot was out or in.
Finally, with exactly 100 days to go until the start of the Championships, organizers have further announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
