Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in implementing video review technology.
Video review systems will be launched at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Athletes will gain the option to challenge particular decisions from the chair umpire, following the system currently in place at each of the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
The new system will be operational 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 development arrives only a year after the AELTC rolled out electronic line calling, which terminated the longstanding role of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors cannot to challenge the call of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to request the official to review specific situations, including:
- If a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- If a shot made contact with an opponent's racquet or body during play.
- Possible interference end of a point.
Notably, there will be no cap on the number of challenges a competitor can ask for.
Case in Point
A recent example took place in Indian Wells recently, where a top player used the review system against his opponent.
The British player conceded it was a tough call for the official, but believed his rival had "used the regulations effectively."
The umpire viewed a video and ruled Draper was responsible for hindrance, awarding the point to Medvedev.
Broader Adoption
Video reviews aren't exclusive to Grand Slams. It has been in use at the American major since 2023 and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the men's ATP Tour plans to have the system in place at all of its events.
Further Updates
Another change at The Championships this year involves the introduction of visual indicators on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses situations where the crowd have sometimes been unsure whether a ball was out or in.
In other news, with exactly a century of days to go until the beginning of the Championships, organizers have further revealed an increase in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
