Wimbledon will follow the US and Australian Opens in utilizing replay systems.
Video review technology are set to arrive at The Championships in the upcoming tournament.
Players will gain the right to contest specific calls from the official, following the system already in use at both the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
This innovation will be operational on the main stadium and Court One throughout the Championships and on the other four featured courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This step comes just a season following the AELTC rolled out electronic line calling, which brought an end to the 147-year tradition of line judges.
Reviewable Decisions
Players cannot to dispute the call of the ELC system, but are allowed to ask for the umpire to re-examine other situations, such as:
- If a ball has double-bounced.
- If a ball made contact with an opponent's racquet or body during play.
- Potential hindrance at the conclusion of a rally.
Importantly, there is no limit on the amount of challenges a player can initiate.
Case in Point
A recent incident took place in a recent tournament last week, where Daniil Medvedev initiated the video challenge against Jack Draper.
Draper conceded it was a tough call for the official, but believed his opponent had "used the regulations effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a replay and determined Draper was responsible for interference, granting the rally to Medvedev.
Growing Trend
This technology are not exclusive to major tournaments. It was adopted at the US Open since 2023 and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the ATP circuit plans to have the system in place at all of its events.
Other Changes
A further innovation at Wimbledon this year will be the introduction of graphical cues on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This solves situations where spectators have occasionally been unsure if a shot was out or in.
In other news, with precisely a century of days to go until the beginning of the Championships, the AELTC have also announced an increase in daily capacity at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
