Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in utilizing video review systems.
Video review technology will make its debut at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Competitors will gain the ability to contest specific rulings from the official, following the practice already in place at each of the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
This innovation is slated for use on Centre Court and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the other four featured courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This development comes just a year after the AELTC rolled out electronic line calling, which brought an end to the centuries-old tradition of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Players will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the ELC system, but they can request the official to review specific decisions, including:
- If a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a ball made contact with an rival's racket or person on the way past.
- Potential interference at the conclusion of a rally.
Notably, there is an unlimited number on the amount of challenges a competitor can request.
Case in Point
A recent case occurred in Indian Wells recently, where Daniil Medvedev used the review system against Jack Draper.
The British player conceded it was a tough call for the official, but believed his opponent had "used the regulations effectively."
The umpire watched a video and determined the player was responsible for interference, awarding the point to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
Video reviews are not new for major tournaments. The system 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 video reviews implemented at all of its tournaments.
Additional Innovations
Another change at Wimbledon this year will be the introduction of visual indicators on scoreboards to complement the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses instances where the crowd have occasionally been unsure if a shot was in or out.
In other news, with exactly a century of days to go until the start of the Championships, organizers have also announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
