Wimbledon will follow the American and Australian Opens in utilizing video review systems.
Video review technology are set to arrive at The Championships this year.
Players will gain the option to question specific calls from the chair umpire, mirroring the protocol already in place at both the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
This technology is slated for use on Centre Court and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the remaining featured courts when they are staging singles contests.
This development follows just a year after the AELTC introduced ELC, which brought an end to the 147-year role of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Players will not be permitted to dispute the call of the ELC system, but they can ask for the official to re-examine other decisions, such as:
- Whether a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a ball touched an rival's racket or person on the way past.
- Potential interference end of a rally.
Importantly, there is no cap on the number of challenges a competitor can request.
Practical Application
A recent incident took place in a recent tournament last week, where Daniil Medvedev used the video challenge against his opponent.
Draper conceded it was a tough situation for the official, but believed his rival had "used the regulations quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a video and determined Draper was responsible for interference, granting the point to Medvedev.
Broader Adoption
Video reviews aren't new for Grand Slams. It has been in use at the American major since 2023 and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by next season the ATP circuit will have the system implemented at every one of its events.
Further Updates
Another innovation at Wimbledon this year involves the introduction of visual indicators on displays to support the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses instances where fans have sometimes been unsure whether a shot was out or in.
In other news, with precisely a century of days remaining until the start of the tournament, organizers have also revealed an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
