Wimbledon will follow the US and Australian Opens in utilizing video review systems.
Video review technology will be launched at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Athletes will gain the option to contest certain calls made by the official, following the system already in use at both the US Open and the Australian Open.
This technology is slated for use on the main stadium and the number one court throughout the tournament and on the remaining featured courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This step follows just a year after the AELTC implemented electronic line calling, which brought an end to the centuries-old tradition of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Players will not be permitted to challenge the call of the ELC system, but are allowed to ask for the umpire to re-examine other situations, including:
- If a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a shot made contact with an rival's racket or body on the way past.
- Potential interference at the conclusion of a rally.
Importantly, there will be no cap on the number of challenges a player can ask for.
A Recent Example
An illustrative example occurred in Indian Wells last week, where a top player initiated the video challenge against Jack Draper.
The British player admitted it was a difficult call for the official, but thought his opponent had "played the rules effectively."
The umpire viewed a replay and ruled the player was guilty of hindrance, granting the rally to Medvedev.
Wider Implementation
This technology are not exclusive to Grand Slams. The system was adopted at the US Open since 2023 and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the men's ATP Tour will have video reviews in place at every one of its events.
Further Updates
A further change at Wimbledon this year involves the addition of visual indicators on displays to complement the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This solves situations where the crowd have sometimes been unsure whether a ball was out or in.
Finally, with exactly a century of days remaining until the start of the Championships, the AELTC have further announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
