Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in utilizing video review technology.
Replay systems will be launched at Wimbledon this year.
Players will gain the right to contest particular rulings made by the official, following the protocol already in place at both the US Open and the Aussie major.
This innovation will be accessible on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the tournament and on the other four show courts when they are staging singles matches.
This development arrives only a season following the All England Club rolled out electronic line calling, which terminated the centuries-old role of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Players cannot to dispute the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to ask for the official to re-examine other situations, including:
- If a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a shot made contact with an rival's racket or person during play.
- Potential interference end of a rally.
Importantly, there will be no limit on the amount of challenges a player can initiate.
Practical Application
A recent case took place in Indian Wells recently, where Daniil Medvedev initiated the video challenge against Jack Draper.
Draper admitted it was a tough call for the umpire, but thought his rival had "used the regulations effectively."
The umpire watched a replay and determined Draper was guilty of interference, granting the rally to Medvedev.
Broader Adoption
This technology aren't new for major tournaments. The system has been in use at the American major since 2023 and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the men's ATP Tour will have video reviews in place at every one of its events.
Further Updates
Another innovation at Wimbledon this year will be the addition of graphical cues on displays to support the audio calls from the ELC system.
This addresses situations where the crowd have sometimes been unsure if a ball was in or out.
Finally, with precisely 100 days remaining until the beginning of the tournament, organizers have also revealed an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
