Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in employing replay technology.
Replay systems will be launched at The Championships this year.
Players are granted the ability to challenge specific calls made by the official, mirroring the system already in place at each of the US Open and the Australian Open.
This technology will be operational on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the tournament and on the other four show courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This development comes just a season following the AELTC implemented ELC, which terminated the centuries-old role of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Players will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but they can ask for the official to re-examine other situations, such as:
- Whether a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a shot made contact with an opponent's racquet or person on the way past.
- Possible hindrance at the conclusion of a rally.
Importantly, there is no limit on the number of challenges a player can ask for.
Practical Application
A recent case occurred in Indian Wells recently, where Daniil Medvedev used the review system against Jack Draper.
Draper conceded it was a difficult situation for the official, but thought his opponent had "used the regulations effectively."
The umpire viewed a video and ruled Draper was guilty of hindrance, awarding the rally to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
This technology are not exclusive to major tournaments. It was adopted at the American major since 2023 and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the men's ATP Tour plans to have video reviews implemented at every one of its tournaments.
Other Changes
A further innovation at Wimbledon this year will be the introduction of graphical cues on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses situations where fans have occasionally been unsure if a shot was in or out.
Finally, with exactly a century of days remaining until the beginning of the Championships, organizers have also announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
