Wimbledon will follow the US and Australian Opens in utilizing video review systems.
Video review technology will make its debut at The Championships in the upcoming tournament.
Players are granted the ability to question specific rulings made by the official, mirroring the protocol currently in use at each of the US Open and the Australian Open.
This innovation will be accessible on Centre Court and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the remaining show courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This development arrives only a year after the AELTC implemented ELC, which effectively ended the centuries-old role of line judges.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Competitors will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to request the official to re-examine specific decisions, such as:
- If a ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a shot made contact with an opponent's racquet or person during play.
- Possible hindrance at the conclusion of a point.
Importantly, there is an unlimited number on the number of challenges a competitor can ask for.
Case in Point
An illustrative case took place in Indian Wells last week, where a top player initiated the review system against Jack Draper.
Draper admitted it was a difficult call for the umpire, but thought his rival had "used the regulations effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a replay and determined the player was guilty of interference, granting the point to Medvedev.
Wider Implementation
This technology aren't exclusive to major tournaments. The system has been in use at the US Open since 2023 and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the men's ATP Tour will have the system implemented at all of its tournaments.
Further Updates
A further innovation at Wimbledon this year will be the introduction of graphical cues on displays to support the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This solves instances where the crowd have sometimes been unsure whether a shot was in or out.
Finally, with exactly 100 days remaining until the beginning of the tournament, organizers have also revealed an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
