Wimbledon will follow the American and Australian Opens in implementing video review systems.
Replay technology will make its debut at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Athletes are granted the right to question specific rulings from the official, mirroring the system currently in operation at each of the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
The new system is slated for use on Centre Court and Court One throughout the Championships and on the remaining featured courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This move comes just a season following the All England Club rolled out electronic line calling, which effectively ended the 147-year role of line judges.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Competitors will not be permitted to dispute the call of the ELC system, but they can request the official to review specific situations, including:
- If a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a shot touched an rival's racket or person during play.
- Possible hindrance end of a point.
Notably, there is an unlimited number on the amount of challenges a player can ask for.
Case in Point
A recent incident took place in a recent tournament recently, where a top player used the review system against Jack Draper.
Draper conceded it was a difficult call for the umpire, but believed his rival had "played the rules effectively."
The umpire viewed a replay and determined Draper was responsible for interference, granting the point to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
Video reviews aren't 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 plans to have video reviews in place at all of its tournaments.
Further Updates
Another innovation at Wimbledon this year involves the introduction of visual indicators on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses instances where spectators have sometimes been unsure if a ball was out or in.
In other news, with exactly 100 days remaining until the beginning of the Championships, the AELTC have also announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
