Wimbledon will follow the US and Australian Opens in utilizing video review systems.
Video review technology are set to arrive at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Players are granted the right to challenge specific rulings made by the chair umpire, echoing the practice already in place at each of the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
This innovation will be operational on the main stadium and Court One for the duration of the Championships and on the other four featured courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This move follows just a season following the AELTC rolled out ELC, which effectively ended the longstanding tradition of line judges.
Reviewable Decisions
Competitors cannot to dispute the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but they can ask for the umpire to review other situations, such as:
- If a ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a shot made contact with an rival's racket or person on the way past.
- Potential interference at the conclusion of a rally.
Importantly, there will be an unlimited number on the number of challenges a player can request.
A Recent Example
An illustrative case occurred in Indian Wells last week, where Daniil Medvedev used the video challenge against Jack Draper.
The British player conceded it was a difficult call for the umpire, but thought his rival had "played the rules effectively."
The umpire viewed a replay and determined Draper was responsible for interference, granting the rally to Medvedev.
Wider Implementation
Video reviews are not exclusive to Grand Slams. The system was adopted at the American major 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 plans to have the system implemented at every one of its tournaments.
Further Updates
Another change at Wimbledon this year involves the addition of visual indicators on scoreboards to support the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses instances where spectators have occasionally been unsure if a shot was out or in.
Finally, with precisely a century of days remaining until the beginning of the Championships, organizers have also revealed an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
