Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in implementing video review systems.
Video review systems will make its debut at Wimbledon this year.
Players will gain the right to question particular calls from the chair umpire, echoing the practice currently in place at both the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
This innovation will be accessible on the main stadium and Court One for the duration of the tournament and on the remaining show courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This development comes just a year after the All England Club implemented electronic line calling, which brought an end to the longstanding role of line judges.
Reviewable Decisions
Competitors cannot to dispute the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to ask for the official to re-examine other decisions, such as:
- Whether a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot made contact with an opponent's racquet or person during play.
- Potential interference end of a point.
Importantly, there is an unlimited number on the amount of challenges a player can initiate.
Practical Application
An illustrative example occurred in a recent tournament last week, where a top player used the review system against his opponent.
Draper admitted it was a difficult situation for the official, but believed his rival had "played the rules effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a video and ruled Draper was guilty of interference, granting the rally to Medvedev.
Wider Implementation
Video reviews are not exclusive to Grand Slams. The system has been in use at the American major since 2023 and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by next season the ATP circuit plans to have video reviews in place at all of its tournaments.
Further Updates
Another change at Wimbledon this year will be the introduction of graphical cues on scoreboards to complement the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses situations where fans have occasionally been uncertain if a ball was out or in.
Finally, with exactly 100 days remaining until the beginning of the Championships, organizers have further announced an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.