Wimbledon will follow the US and Australian Opens in employing video review systems.
Replay technology will make its debut at The Championships this year.
Athletes will gain the right to contest certain decisions made by the official, mirroring the system currently in place at each of the US Open and the Aussie major.
This technology is slated for use on the main stadium and the number one court throughout the Championships and on the other four featured courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This step arrives only a season following the AELTC implemented ELC, which terminated the 147-year role 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 specific decisions, including:
- If a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a shot touched an opponent's racquet or person on the way past.
- Possible hindrance at the conclusion of a point.
Importantly, there will be no cap on the number of challenges a player can initiate.
Case in Point
A recent incident occurred in a recent tournament recently, where a top player used the video challenge against Jack Draper.
Draper admitted it was a tough situation for the umpire, but thought his rival had "played the rules quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a replay and ruled the player was guilty of interference, granting the point to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
Video reviews are not exclusive to major tournaments. The system was adopted at the American major since 2023 and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the ATP circuit plans to have video reviews in place at every one of its events.
Additional Innovations
Another innovation at The Championships this year involves the addition of visual indicators on displays to support the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This solves instances where spectators have occasionally been unsure whether a ball was in or out.
In other news, with exactly 100 days remaining until the start of the Championships, the AELTC have further announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
