Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in employing video review technology.
Video review technology will be launched at The Championships this year.
Competitors will gain the option to contest particular decisions made by the chair umpire, mirroring the practice already in operation at each of the US Open and the Australian Open.
This innovation will be accessible on the main stadium and Court One for the duration of the Championships and on the other four featured courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This development arrives only a year after the All England Club introduced electronic line calling, which terminated the centuries-old tradition of line judges.
Reviewable Decisions
Competitors cannot to challenge the accuracy of the ELC system, but they can ask for the umpire to review specific situations, such as:
- Whether a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a shot made contact with an rival's racket or body on the way past.
- Possible interference at the conclusion of a point.
Importantly, there will be an unlimited number on the amount of challenges a player can ask for.
Case in Point
An illustrative case occurred in Indian Wells last week, where a top player used the video challenge against Jack Draper.
The British player admitted it was a difficult call for the umpire, but believed his rival had "played the rules quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a replay and determined Draper was guilty of hindrance, awarding the point to his opponent.
Growing Trend
This technology aren't exclusive to major tournaments. The system has been in use at the American major since 2023 and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the men's ATP Tour will have the system implemented at every one of its tournaments.
Other Changes
Another change at Wimbledon this year involves the introduction of visual indicators on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This solves instances where fans have occasionally been uncertain whether a ball was out or in.
In other news, with exactly a century of days remaining until the beginning of the Championships, the AELTC have further announced an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
