Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in employing replay technology.
Video review technology will make its debut at The Championships this year.
Competitors will gain the ability to challenge particular calls made by the official, mirroring the system currently in operation at both the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
This innovation is slated for use on Centre Court 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 follows just a season following the All England Club rolled out ELC, which terminated the centuries-old role of line judges.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Competitors cannot to dispute the call of the ELC system, but are allowed to ask for the umpire to re-examine specific decisions, including:
- If a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a ball touched an rival's racket or body on the way past.
- Potential hindrance end of a rally.
Importantly, there is an unlimited number on the number of challenges a competitor can ask for.
A Recent Example
A recent case occurred in Indian Wells last week, where a top player used the video challenge against his opponent.
The British player admitted it was a tough call for the umpire, but believed his opponent had "used the regulations effectively."
The umpire watched a replay and ruled the player was responsible for hindrance, granting the rally to Medvedev.
Growing Trend
This technology are not exclusive to Grand Slams. It has been in use at the US Open since 2023 and the Aussie Open this year.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by next season the men's ATP Tour plans to have the system in place at every one of its events.
Further Updates
Another innovation at The Championships this year involves the introduction of visual indicators on scoreboards to support the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses instances where the crowd have occasionally been unsure if a ball was out or in.
Finally, with exactly 100 days to go until the start of the Championships, organizers have also announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
