The tournament joins the US and Aussie Opens in implementing video review systems.
Replay technology are set to arrive at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Athletes will gain the right to challenge specific calls made by the chair umpire, echoing the protocol already in use at each of the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
This innovation will be accessible on the main stadium and the number one court throughout the tournament and on the other four show courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This development arrives only a year after the All England Club implemented ELC, which brought an end to the 147-year role of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors will not be permitted to dispute the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to ask for the official to re-examine specific decisions, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a shot made contact with an rival's racket or person on the way past.
- Possible hindrance at the conclusion of a rally.
Notably, there is no limit on the number of challenges a competitor can initiate.
Practical Application
A recent example occurred in a recent tournament recently, where a top player used the review system against his opponent.
The British player admitted it was a tough situation for the umpire, but thought his rival had "played the rules effectively."
The umpire viewed a replay and determined Draper was responsible for hindrance, awarding the rally to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
This technology aren't new for Grand Slams. It has been in use at the American major for two years and the Aussie Open since 2025.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the men's ATP Tour plans to have video reviews implemented at every one of its events.
Further Updates
Another innovation at Wimbledon this year involves the addition of visual indicators on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses situations where the crowd have occasionally been uncertain if a shot was out or in.
In other news, with precisely 100 days to go until the start of the Championships, organizers have further announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
