Wimbledon will follow the American and Australian Opens in implementing replay technology.
Video review systems will make its debut at The Championships this year.
Players will gain the option to contest particular calls from the chair umpire, echoing the protocol already in use at each of the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
This technology is slated for use on Centre Court and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the remaining show courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This development arrives only a season following the AELTC implemented ELC, which brought an end to the 147-year tradition of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors cannot to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to ask for the umpire to re-examine specific situations, including:
- Whether a ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot touched an opponent's racquet or body on the way past.
- Potential interference at the conclusion of a rally.
Notably, there is an unlimited number on the number of reviews a player can initiate.
Practical Application
An illustrative case took place in a recent tournament recently, where a top player used the review system against his opponent.
Draper conceded it was a difficult situation for the umpire, but thought his opponent had "used the regulations quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a replay and determined the player was guilty of interference, granting the point to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
Video reviews aren't new for Grand Slams. The system has been in use at the US Open for two years and the Aussie Open since 2025.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the men's ATP Tour plans to have video reviews implemented at every one of its events.
Other Changes
A further change at The Championships this year involves the addition of graphical cues on displays to complement the audio calls from the ELC system.
This solves situations where fans have sometimes been unsure whether a ball was in or out.
In other news, with precisely 100 days to go until the beginning of the tournament, the AELTC have also revealed an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
