Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in implementing video review technology.
Replay systems are set to arrive at The Championships this year.
Players will gain the right to question particular rulings from the chair umpire, echoing the practice already in operation at each of the US Open and the Australian Open.
The new system will be accessible on Centre Court and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the other four featured courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This move comes just a year after the AELTC implemented ELC, which brought an end to the centuries-old tradition of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Players cannot to challenge the call of the ELC system, but are allowed to request the official to review other situations, such as:
- Whether a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a ball made contact with an opponent's racquet or body during play.
- Potential hindrance end of a rally.
Notably, there is an unlimited number on the amount of challenges a competitor can initiate.
Practical Application
An illustrative case occurred in Indian Wells recently, where a top player initiated the video challenge against Jack Draper.
Draper conceded it was a tough call for the official, but believed his rival had "played the rules effectively."
The umpire watched a replay and determined the player was guilty of hindrance, awarding the point to Medvedev.
Wider Implementation
Video reviews are not exclusive to Grand Slams. It was adopted at the US Open for two years and the Australian Open since 2025.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by next season the men's ATP Tour plans to have video reviews implemented at all of its events.
Additional Innovations
Another change at The Championships this year involves the addition of graphical cues on displays to support the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses situations where spectators have occasionally been uncertain if a shot was out or in.
Finally, with exactly 100 days to go until the start of the tournament, organizers have further announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
