Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in utilizing video review systems.
Video review technology will be launched at Wimbledon this year.
Competitors will gain the right to challenge particular decisions from the official, mirroring the protocol already in use at each of the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
This technology will be operational 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 move comes just a year after the AELTC rolled out ELC, which brought an end to the 147-year role of line judges.
Reviewable Decisions
Players will not be permitted to dispute the call of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to request the official to review other decisions, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a ball touched an opponent's racquet or person on the way past.
- Potential interference at the conclusion of a point.
Notably, there is no cap on the number of challenges a player can request.
Case in Point
A recent incident occurred in a recent tournament recently, where Daniil Medvedev initiated the review system against his opponent.
The British player admitted it was a tough call for the umpire, but thought his opponent had "used the regulations quite well."
The umpire watched a replay and determined the player was responsible for interference, awarding the point to his opponent.
Growing Trend
Video reviews are not exclusive to major tournaments. The system was adopted 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 plans to have video reviews in place at every one of its tournaments.
Other Changes
A further change at Wimbledon this year involves the addition of graphical cues on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where the crowd have sometimes been unsure if a shot was in or out.
Finally, with precisely a century of days to go until the start of the tournament, organizers have further announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
