Wimbledon will follow the US and Australian Opens in utilizing video review systems.
Video review systems will make its debut at Wimbledon this year.
Players will gain the option to challenge certain decisions made by the official, following the system currently in operation at each of the US Open and the Australian Open.
This technology will be accessible on Centre Court and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the other four featured courts when they are staging singles contests.
This development arrives only a year after the All England Club rolled out electronic line calling, which brought an end to the longstanding tradition of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but they can ask for the umpire to re-examine other decisions, including:
- If a ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot touched an rival's racket or person during play.
- Possible interference at the conclusion of a point.
Notably, there is an unlimited number on the amount of reviews a player can request.
Practical Application
A recent example occurred in a recent tournament last week, where a top player initiated the video challenge against Jack Draper.
Draper admitted it was a difficult call for the umpire, but thought his rival had "used the regulations effectively."
The umpire watched a video and determined Draper was guilty of interference, granting the rally to his opponent.
Growing Trend
Video reviews aren't new for Grand Slams. It has been in use 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 next season the men's ATP Tour will have video reviews implemented at every one of its events.
Additional Innovations
Another change at The Championships this year involves the addition of graphical cues on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses situations where fans have sometimes been uncertain whether a ball was out or in.
In other news, with precisely 100 days remaining until the beginning of the tournament, the AELTC have further revealed an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
