Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in implementing video review systems.
Video review technology will make its debut at Wimbledon this year.
Competitors will gain the ability to challenge specific calls made by the official, following the practice currently in place at each of the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
The new system is slated for use on Centre Court and the number one court throughout the Championships and on the remaining show courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This move follows just a season following the All England Club implemented electronic line calling, which terminated the longstanding tradition of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors will not be permitted to dispute the accuracy of the ELC system, but they can ask for the official to review specific decisions, including:
- If a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a shot touched an opponent's racquet or body on the way past.
- Potential interference at the conclusion of a rally.
Importantly, there is no limit on the number of reviews a competitor can ask for.
Practical Application
An illustrative example took place in Indian Wells recently, where a top player used the video challenge against his opponent.
Draper conceded it was a tough situation for the official, but thought his rival had "played the rules effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a replay and determined the player was responsible for interference, awarding the rally to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
Video reviews are not new for major tournaments. It was adopted at the US Open since 2023 and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by next season the men's ATP Tour will have the system in place at every one of its events.
Further Updates
Another change at The Championships this year involves the addition of visual indicators on displays to complement the audio calls from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where spectators have occasionally been uncertain whether a ball was in or out.
Finally, with precisely 100 days remaining until the beginning of the Championships, the AELTC have further revealed an increase in daily capacity at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
