Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in employing video review systems.
Replay systems will be launched at Wimbledon this year.
Competitors are granted the option to question specific rulings from the official, echoing the system currently in use at both the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
The new system is slated for use on the main stadium and Court One throughout the tournament and on the other four featured courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This development comes just a year after the All England Club implemented electronic line calling, which effectively ended the 147-year role of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Competitors cannot to dispute the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to request the official to re-examine specific situations, including:
- Whether a ball has double-bounced.
- If a ball touched an opponent's racquet or body on the way past.
- Possible interference at the conclusion of a point.
Importantly, there will be no cap on the number of reviews a player can request.
Practical Application
A recent example took place in a recent tournament recently, where Daniil Medvedev used the video challenge against Jack Draper.
The British player conceded it was a difficult situation for the umpire, but thought his opponent had "played the rules quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a replay and ruled the player was responsible for interference, granting the point to Medvedev.
Wider Implementation
Video reviews are not new for major tournaments. The system has been in use at the US Open since 2023 and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by next season the ATP circuit plans to have video reviews in place at all of its events.
Further Updates
A further change at Wimbledon this year will be the introduction of visual indicators on displays to complement the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses situations where fans have occasionally been uncertain whether a shot was out or in.
Finally, with precisely 100 days to go until the beginning of the tournament, the AELTC have further revealed an increase in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
