Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in implementing video review technology.
Replay technology will make its debut at Wimbledon this year.
Athletes will gain the ability to question certain rulings from the chair umpire, echoing the protocol already in place at each of the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
This innovation is slated for use on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the tournament and on the other four featured courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This step comes just a year after the All England Club implemented ELC, which terminated the centuries-old tradition of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors cannot to challenge the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to ask for the official to review other decisions, including:
- Whether a ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a ball made contact with an opponent's racquet or body during play.
- Potential hindrance at the conclusion of a point.
Importantly, there is an unlimited number on the number of reviews a player can request.
A Recent Example
An illustrative example took place in Indian Wells last week, where Daniil Medvedev used the video challenge against Jack Draper.
The British player conceded it was a difficult call for the official, but thought his opponent had "played the rules quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a video and ruled Draper was responsible for interference, granting the rally to Medvedev.
Growing Trend
This technology aren't new for major tournaments. The system has been in use at the American major for two years and the Australian Open since 2025.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the ATP circuit plans to have video reviews implemented at all of its tournaments.
Other Changes
A further change at Wimbledon this year will be the addition of visual indicators on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses situations where the crowd have sometimes been unsure whether a shot was in or out.
Finally, with exactly a century of days to go until the start of the tournament, organizers have further revealed an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
