Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in utilizing video review technology.
Replay technology are set to arrive at The Championships in the upcoming tournament.
Athletes will gain the right to question particular decisions made by the official, mirroring the protocol already in operation at both the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
The new system will be operational on the main stadium and Court One throughout the tournament and on the other four featured courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This step comes just a season following the AELTC implemented electronic line calling, which terminated the 147-year tradition of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Competitors cannot to challenge the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to request the official to review other situations, including:
- If a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a shot touched an opponent's racquet or body during play.
- Possible hindrance end of a rally.
Notably, there is no cap on the amount of challenges a player can initiate.
Practical Application
An illustrative incident took place in a recent tournament last week, where a top player used the review system against his opponent.
The British player conceded it was a difficult call for the umpire, but thought his opponent had "used the regulations effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a video and ruled Draper was responsible for interference, granting the rally to Medvedev.
Growing Trend
Video reviews aren't 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 women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the men's ATP Tour will have video reviews implemented at all of its events.
Additional Innovations
A further innovation at Wimbledon this year involves the addition of visual indicators on scoreboards to complement the audio calls from the ELC system.
This addresses situations where fans have sometimes been uncertain whether a shot was in or out.
In other news, with exactly 100 days remaining until the start of the Championships, organizers have also revealed an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
