Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in employing video review technology.
Video review systems are set to arrive at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Players will gain the ability to question particular calls from the official, following the protocol already in place at each of the US Open and the Aussie major.
This technology will be operational on the main stadium and Court One for the duration of the Championships and on the other four featured courts when they are staging singles contests.
This move follows just a season following the AELTC implemented electronic line calling, which terminated the 147-year role of line officials.
Reviewable Decisions
Players will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the ELC system, but they can request the official to re-examine specific decisions, including:
- If a ball has double-bounced.
- If a ball made contact with an opponent's racquet or body on the way past.
- Potential interference at the conclusion of a rally.
Notably, there is no limit on the number of challenges a player can ask for.
A Recent Example
An illustrative example occurred in Indian Wells recently, where a top player used the review system against Jack Draper.
Draper admitted it was a difficult call for the umpire, but thought his rival had "used the regulations quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a video and determined the player was guilty of interference, granting the point to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
This technology are not new for Grand Slams. The system has been in use 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 in place at all of its tournaments.
Additional Innovations
Another innovation at Wimbledon this year involves the addition of graphical cues on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This solves instances where fans have sometimes been unsure if a ball was out or in.
In other news, with exactly a century of days to go until the start of the Championships, organizers have further revealed an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
