Wimbledon will follow the US and Australian Opens in implementing video review technology.
Replay systems will be launched at The Championships this year.
Athletes will gain the right to contest specific decisions from the chair umpire, mirroring the system currently in place at each of the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
This innovation will be accessible on Centre Court and the number one court throughout the Championships and on the other four show courts when they are staging singles contests.
This step follows just a season following the AELTC implemented ELC, which terminated the centuries-old role of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Players cannot to dispute the call of the ELC system, but they can request the umpire to re-examine other situations, such as:
- If a ball has bounced twice.
- If a shot made contact with an opponent's racquet or person during play.
- Possible hindrance end of a rally.
Importantly, there is an unlimited number on the amount of reviews a player can request.
Practical Application
An illustrative case occurred in Indian Wells last week, where Daniil Medvedev used the review system against his opponent.
The British player admitted it was a tough situation for the official, but believed his opponent had "used the regulations effectively."
The umpire watched a replay and determined Draper was responsible for hindrance, awarding the point to Medvedev.
Broader Adoption
Video reviews aren't new for major tournaments. It has been in use at the American major since 2023 and the Aussie Open this year.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the ATP circuit plans to have the system implemented at every one of its events.
Other Changes
A further change at Wimbledon this year involves the introduction of graphical cues on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where spectators have occasionally been uncertain whether a ball was out or in.
Finally, with exactly a century of days to go until the beginning of the Championships, the AELTC have further revealed an increase in daily capacity at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
