Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in employing video review systems.
Replay technology will be launched at Wimbledon this year.
Competitors are granted the right to contest certain rulings from the chair umpire, following the practice already in use at each of the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
This technology is slated for use on Centre Court and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the other four show courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This step follows just a season following the All England Club implemented electronic line calling, which brought an end to the longstanding role of line judges.
Reviewable Decisions
Competitors will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to request the umpire to review other situations, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot touched an rival's racket or person on the way past.
- Potential interference end of a rally.
Importantly, there is no cap on the number of challenges a player can request.
Practical Application
A recent example occurred in Indian Wells last week, where Daniil Medvedev initiated the review system against Jack Draper.
Draper conceded it was a tough 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 hindrance, granting the rally to Medvedev.
Growing Trend
Video reviews are not exclusive to major tournaments. The system has been in use at the US Open for two years and the Aussie Open since 2025.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by next season the ATP circuit will have video reviews in place at every one of its tournaments.
Further Updates
A further innovation at Wimbledon this year involves the introduction of visual indicators on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses situations where the crowd have occasionally been uncertain whether a ball was out or in.
In other news, with precisely 100 days to go until the beginning of the tournament, organizers have also announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
