Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in utilizing replay systems.
Video review technology will make its debut at The Championships in the upcoming tournament.
Competitors are granted the option to challenge particular rulings from the official, following the practice currently in use at both the US Open and the Australian Open.
This technology will be accessible on Centre Court and Court One for the duration of the Championships and on the remaining show courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This step follows just a season following the AELTC introduced electronic line calling, which terminated the centuries-old tradition of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
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, such as:
- Whether a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot touched an rival's racket or person during play.
- Possible interference at the conclusion of a point.
Importantly, there is no cap on the number of reviews a competitor can initiate.
Case in Point
An illustrative example took place in Indian Wells recently, where a top player initiated the video challenge against Jack Draper.
Draper conceded it was a tough situation for the official, but thought his rival had "used the regulations effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a replay and ruled Draper was guilty of interference, awarding the rally to Medvedev.
Broader Adoption
Video reviews aren't exclusive to Grand Slams. The system was adopted at the American major since 2023 and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the men's ATP Tour plans to have video reviews implemented at all of its events.
Other Changes
A further innovation at Wimbledon this year involves the introduction of visual indicators on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This solves situations where fans have sometimes been uncertain whether a ball was out or in.
Finally, with exactly a century of days to go until the beginning of the Championships, organizers have further revealed an increase in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
