Wimbledon will follow the American and Australian Opens in utilizing replay systems.
Replay technology are set to arrive at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Competitors will gain the right to question specific decisions made by the chair umpire, following the protocol currently in operation at both the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
The new system is slated for use on the main stadium and the number one court throughout the Championships and on the other four featured courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This step comes just a season following the AELTC implemented electronic line calling, which brought an end to the centuries-old tradition of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors cannot to dispute the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to ask for the official to re-examine specific decisions, such as:
- Whether a ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot touched an opponent's racquet or person during play.
- Possible hindrance end of a point.
Importantly, there is an unlimited number on the amount of challenges a player can ask for.
Case in Point
An illustrative example occurred in Indian Wells recently, where a top player initiated the review system against his opponent.
Draper admitted it was a difficult call for the umpire, but thought his opponent had "played the rules effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a video and determined the player was responsible for hindrance, granting the point to Medvedev.
Wider Implementation
Video reviews aren't new for major tournaments. It has been in use at the American major for two years and the Australian Open since 2025.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the men's ATP Tour will have video reviews in place at all of its tournaments.
Other Changes
A further change at The Championships this year involves the addition of visual indicators on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses instances where the crowd have sometimes been uncertain whether a ball was out or in.
Finally, with precisely 100 days remaining until the start of the tournament, organizers have further revealed an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
