Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in utilizing video review technology.
Video review systems are set to arrive at The Championships this year.
Competitors will gain the ability to contest specific decisions made by the official, mirroring the system already in use at both the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
This technology will be accessible on the main stadium 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 All England Club rolled out ELC, which terminated the 147-year role of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Players cannot to challenge the call of the ELC system, but they can request the official to re-examine other decisions, including:
- If a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a shot touched an opponent's racquet or person on the way past.
- Possible interference at the conclusion of a rally.
Notably, there is an unlimited number on the number of reviews a player can ask for.
A Recent Example
An illustrative incident occurred in Indian Wells recently, where Daniil Medvedev used the video challenge against his opponent.
The British player admitted it was a tough situation for the official, but believed his opponent had "used the regulations quite well."
The umpire viewed a replay and determined the player was responsible for interference, granting the rally to his opponent.
Growing Trend
This technology are not new for major tournaments. It has been in use at the American major for two years and the Australian Open since 2025.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the ATP circuit plans to have the system implemented at every one of its events.
Additional Innovations
Another innovation at The Championships this year will be the addition of visual indicators on displays to support the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This solves situations where fans have occasionally been uncertain if a ball was out or in.
In other news, with precisely 100 days remaining until the start of the Championships, organizers have further revealed an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
