Wimbledon will follow the American and Australian Opens in utilizing replay technology.
Video review systems will make its debut at The Championships in the upcoming tournament.
Athletes are granted the option to question specific decisions from the chair umpire, following the system currently in operation at both the US Open and the Aussie major.
This innovation will be accessible on Centre Court and Court One throughout the Championships and on the remaining show courts when they are staging singles contests.
This step arrives only a season following the AELTC implemented ELC, which terminated the 147-year role of line judges.
Reviewable Decisions
Competitors cannot to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to request the official to re-examine specific decisions, including:
- If a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a ball touched an rival's racket or person during play.
- Possible interference at the conclusion of a rally.
Notably, there will be no limit on the number of reviews a player can request.
A Recent Example
An illustrative example occurred in Indian Wells recently, where Daniil Medvedev used the video challenge against his opponent.
The British player admitted it was a difficult call for the official, but believed his rival had "used the regulations effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a replay and determined the player was responsible for interference, granting the point to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
Video reviews are not new for Grand Slams. It has been in use at the American major since 2023 and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the men's ATP Tour plans to have the system implemented at every one of its events.
Additional Innovations
A further change at Wimbledon this year will be the introduction of visual indicators on scoreboards to support the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where fans have sometimes been uncertain whether a ball was out or in.
Finally, with precisely 100 days remaining until the start of the Championships, organizers have further revealed an increase in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
