Wimbledon will follow the American and Australian Opens in utilizing video review technology.
Video review technology will be launched at Wimbledon this year.
Players are granted the ability to contest particular decisions from the chair umpire, echoing the practice currently in use at each of the US Open and the Aussie major.
This technology is slated for use on the main stadium and the number one court throughout the tournament and on the remaining featured courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This development comes just a season following the All England Club implemented electronic line calling, which effectively ended the 147-year tradition of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Players will not be permitted to challenge the call of the ELC system, but they can ask for the umpire to re-examine other decisions, such as:
- If a ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a ball touched an opponent's racquet or person during play.
- Potential interference at the conclusion of a point.
Importantly, there is no limit on the number of challenges a competitor can initiate.
Practical Application
A recent case took place in Indian Wells last week, where Daniil Medvedev used the video challenge against Jack Draper.
Draper admitted it was a difficult situation for the official, but thought his rival had "used the regulations effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a video and determined the player was responsible for interference, granting the rally to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
Video reviews aren't 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 next season the men's ATP Tour plans to have the system implemented at every one of its tournaments.
Additional Innovations
A further innovation at The Championships this year involves the introduction of graphical cues on scoreboards to support the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This solves instances where the crowd have occasionally been uncertain if a ball was in or out.
Finally, with precisely a century of days to go until the beginning of the Championships, the AELTC have also announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
