Wimbledon will follow the US and Australian Opens in utilizing replay technology.
Video review technology will be launched at Wimbledon this year.
Athletes are granted the ability to challenge certain decisions made by the chair umpire, following the protocol currently in place at both the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
This innovation is slated for use on the main stadium and Court One throughout the Championships and on the remaining show courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This development follows just a season following the AELTC implemented ELC, which effectively ended the 147-year role of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Competitors cannot to dispute the call of the electronic line calling, but they can ask for the umpire to re-examine other situations, such as:
- If a ball has bounced twice.
- If a ball touched an opponent's racquet or body during play.
- Potential interference at the conclusion of a point.
Notably, there is an unlimited number on the amount of challenges a player can ask for.
A Recent Example
An illustrative example occurred in a recent tournament recently, where a top player used the video challenge against his opponent.
Draper admitted it was a difficult situation for the official, but thought his opponent had "used the regulations effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a video and determined Draper was responsible for interference, awarding the rally to Medvedev.
Broader Adoption
This technology are not exclusive to Grand Slams. The system was adopted at the US Open since 2023 and the Aussie Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the ATP circuit will have the system in place at all of its events.
Further Updates
A further change at Wimbledon this year involves the addition of visual indicators on displays to support the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses situations where fans have sometimes been uncertain if a shot was out or in.
Finally, with exactly 100 days to go until the start of the Championships, the AELTC have also announced an increase in daily capacity at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
