Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in utilizing video review technology.
Replay systems are set to arrive at Wimbledon this year.
Athletes are granted the option to question certain rulings made by the official, mirroring the protocol currently in operation at both the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
The new system will be operational on Centre Court and the number one court throughout the Championships and on the remaining show courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This move comes just a season following the All England Club implemented ELC, which effectively ended the 147-year tradition of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors cannot to dispute the call of the ELC system, but are allowed to ask for the umpire to re-examine other situations, such as:
- Whether a ball has bounced twice.
- If a shot made contact with an opponent's racquet or body on the way past.
- Possible interference at the conclusion of a rally.
Importantly, there will be an unlimited number on the amount of challenges a player can initiate.
Case in Point
An illustrative incident took place in Indian Wells last week, where Daniil Medvedev initiated the video challenge against Jack Draper.
The British player admitted it was a difficult situation for the umpire, but thought his rival had "used the regulations effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a replay and ruled Draper was guilty of hindrance, granting the point to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
Video reviews aren't new for Grand Slams. The system was adopted at the US Open for two years and the Australian Open since 2025.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the men's ATP Tour will have the system in place at all of its events.
Additional Innovations
A further innovation at Wimbledon this year involves the introduction of graphical cues on scoreboards to support the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where fans have sometimes been unsure whether a shot was in or out.
In other news, with exactly 100 days remaining until the beginning of the Championships, the AELTC have further revealed an increase in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
