Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in utilizing replay systems.
Video review systems will be launched at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Athletes will gain the option to question certain calls from the chair umpire, echoing the system already in place at both the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
The new system will be operational on the main stadium and Court One for the duration of the tournament and on the other four featured courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This move comes just a season following the AELTC implemented electronic line calling, which terminated the 147-year tradition of line judges.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Competitors will not be permitted to dispute the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to ask for the umpire to re-examine specific situations, such as:
- Whether a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a ball made contact with an opponent's racquet or person on the way past.
- Possible hindrance at the conclusion of a rally.
Importantly, there will be no cap on the amount of reviews a player can request.
Practical Application
An illustrative example took place in a recent tournament recently, where Daniil Medvedev initiated the review system against Jack Draper.
The British player admitted it was a difficult situation for the umpire, but thought his opponent had "used the regulations quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a video and ruled Draper was guilty of hindrance, granting the rally to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
This technology aren't exclusive to major tournaments. It has been in use at the US Open for two years and the Australian Open since 2025.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the ATP circuit will have the system in place at every one of its events.
Additional Innovations
A further change at Wimbledon this year will be the addition of graphical cues on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses instances where the crowd have occasionally been unsure whether a shot was out or in.
In other news, with exactly 100 days remaining until the start of the Championships, the AELTC have further announced an increase in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
