Wimbledon will follow the American and Australian Opens in implementing video review technology.
Video review technology will be launched at Wimbledon this year.
Competitors will gain the ability to question certain decisions from the chair umpire, echoing the protocol currently in operation at each of the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
The new system is slated for use on Centre Court and the number one court throughout the tournament and on the other four featured courts when they are staging singles contests.
This step arrives only a year after the AELTC implemented ELC, which effectively ended the centuries-old tradition of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors cannot to dispute the call of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to ask for the umpire to review other decisions, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a ball touched an opponent's racquet or body during play.
- Potential hindrance end of a rally.
Importantly, there will be no cap on the number of challenges a competitor can request.
Practical Application
A recent case occurred in Indian Wells last week, where a top player used the review system against Jack Draper.
Draper admitted it was a tough situation for the umpire, but thought his rival had "used the regulations quite well."
The umpire watched a replay and determined Draper was responsible for hindrance, granting the point to Medvedev.
Wider Implementation
This technology aren't new for major tournaments. The system has been in use at the US Open since 2023 and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the ATP circuit will have video reviews implemented at all of its events.
Other Changes
Another innovation at Wimbledon this year involves the introduction of visual indicators on scoreboards to support the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This solves instances where fans have occasionally been unsure whether a ball was out or in.
In other news, with precisely a century of days to go until the beginning of the tournament, organizers have further revealed an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
