Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in utilizing video review technology.
Replay systems will make its debut at The Championships in the upcoming tournament.
Competitors will gain the ability to question particular calls from the chair umpire, echoing the system already in place at each of the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
This innovation is slated for use on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the remaining featured courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This move arrives only a year after the AELTC introduced electronic line calling, which terminated the 147-year role of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors cannot to challenge the call of the ELC system, but are allowed to ask for the official to re-examine other decisions, such as:
- If a ball has bounced twice.
- If a ball made contact with an rival's racket or person on the way past.
- Potential interference at the conclusion of a point.
Notably, there is no limit on the number of reviews a player can initiate.
Practical Application
A recent incident occurred in a recent tournament last week, where a top player used the video challenge against his opponent.
The British player admitted it was a tough call for the official, but believed his opponent had "used the regulations effectively."
The umpire watched a video and ruled the player was guilty of hindrance, awarding the point to Medvedev.
Growing Trend
This technology are not new for major tournaments. 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 women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the men's ATP Tour will have video reviews in place at every one of its events.
Other Changes
A further change at Wimbledon this year will be the addition of graphical cues on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This solves instances where spectators have sometimes been uncertain whether a shot was in or out.
In other news, with precisely 100 days remaining until the start of the Championships, organizers have also announced an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
