Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in implementing video review systems.
Video review systems will be launched at Wimbledon this year.
Competitors are granted the right to question certain rulings made by the chair umpire, mirroring the protocol currently in operation at both the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
This innovation is slated for use on Centre Court and Court One throughout the tournament and on the remaining featured courts when they are staging singles matches.
This step arrives only a season following the AELTC implemented electronic line calling, which brought an end to the 147-year role of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Competitors will not be permitted to dispute the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to request the umpire to re-examine other decisions, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a ball made contact with an rival's racket or body during play.
- Possible hindrance at the conclusion of a point.
Importantly, there will be an unlimited number on the amount of reviews a player can ask for.
Practical Application
An illustrative case occurred in Indian Wells recently, where a top player initiated the video challenge against his opponent.
Draper admitted it was a difficult situation for the umpire, but thought his opponent had "used the regulations quite well."
The umpire viewed a replay and determined Draper was guilty of interference, granting the rally to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
This technology are not exclusive to major tournaments. It has been in use at the US Open since 2023 and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent 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 tournaments.
Further Updates
Another innovation at The Championships this year will be the introduction of visual indicators on scoreboards to complement the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses situations where the crowd have occasionally been unsure whether a ball was in or out.
Finally, with exactly 100 days remaining until the start of the Championships, the AELTC have further revealed an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
