Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in implementing video review systems.
Replay technology will make its debut at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Competitors will gain the ability to challenge certain rulings made by the chair umpire, mirroring the protocol already in operation at each of the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
The new system will be operational on Centre Court and the number one court for the duration of the tournament and on the other four show courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This step follows just a year after the AELTC introduced electronic line calling, which brought an end to the centuries-old role of line officials.
Reviewable Decisions
Players cannot to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to ask for the official to re-examine specific decisions, such as:
- If a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a shot made contact with an rival's racket or body during play.
- Potential interference at the conclusion of a rally.
Importantly, there is no limit on the amount of reviews a player can ask for.
A Recent Example
A recent example occurred in a recent tournament last week, where a top player initiated the video challenge against his opponent.
The British player admitted it was a difficult situation for the official, but believed his rival had "used the regulations effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a replay and determined Draper was responsible for hindrance, granting the rally to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
This technology aren't new for Grand Slams. The system was adopted at the American major since 2023 and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by next season the ATP circuit plans to have the system implemented at every one of its tournaments.
Other Changes
A further change at Wimbledon this year will be the introduction of graphical cues on scoreboards to support the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This solves situations where the crowd have occasionally been uncertain if a shot was out or in.
In other news, with exactly 100 days remaining until the beginning of the Championships, organizers have further announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
