Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in employing video review technology.
Replay systems will be launched at The Championships in the upcoming tournament.
Competitors will gain the ability to question specific rulings made by the chair umpire, mirroring the practice currently in use at each of the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
The new system is slated for use on Centre Court and Court One for the duration of the Championships and on the remaining show courts when they are staging singles matches.
This move arrives only a year after the AELTC implemented ELC, which effectively ended the 147-year role of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors will not be permitted to dispute the call of the electronic line calling, but they can request the official to re-examine specific decisions, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a ball touched an rival's racket or body on the way past.
- Potential interference end of a rally.
Importantly, there is an unlimited number on the number of reviews a competitor can request.
Case in Point
An illustrative incident occurred in Indian Wells last week, where a top player used the video challenge against his opponent.
Draper admitted it was a difficult situation for the official, but believed his rival had "used the regulations effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a replay and determined Draper was guilty of interference, awarding the point to Medvedev.
Broader Adoption
Video reviews are not exclusive to major tournaments. The system was adopted at the American major since 2023 and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the ATP circuit will have video reviews implemented at every one of its events.
Other Changes
Another change at Wimbledon this year involves the introduction of visual indicators on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This solves situations where the crowd have occasionally been uncertain whether a ball was out or in.
Finally, with precisely a century of days to go until the start of the tournament, organizers have also revealed an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
