Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in utilizing video review systems.
Replay systems will be launched at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Players will gain the option to contest certain decisions made by the official, echoing the system already in place at each of the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
This technology will be accessible on the main stadium and Court One for the duration of the Championships and on the remaining featured courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This development comes just a season following the AELTC implemented ELC, which effectively ended the 147-year tradition of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors cannot to challenge the call of the ELC system, but are allowed to ask for the umpire to re-examine other situations, such as:
- If a ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a shot touched an opponent's racquet or person during play.
- Potential interference end of a rally.
Importantly, there is an unlimited number on the number of reviews a player can ask for.
Case in Point
A recent example took place in Indian Wells recently, where a top player initiated the video challenge against his opponent.
The British player admitted it was a tough situation for the umpire, but believed his opponent had "played the rules quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a replay and ruled Draper was guilty of interference, awarding the rally to his opponent.
Growing Trend
This technology are not new for Grand Slams. The system was adopted at the US Open for two years and the Australian Open since 2025.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the ATP circuit plans to have video reviews in place at all of its tournaments.
Additional Innovations
Another innovation at The Championships this year involves the addition of visual indicators on displays to support the audio calls from the ELC system.
This solves situations where spectators have sometimes been unsure if a ball was out or in.
Finally, with exactly 100 days remaining until the beginning of the tournament, organizers have further announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
