Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in implementing replay systems.
Video review technology will be launched at Wimbledon this year.
Competitors are granted the option to contest specific calls from the official, echoing the system already in operation at both the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
This technology will be operational on the main stadium and the number one court throughout the tournament and on the remaining featured courts when they are staging singles matches.
This development comes just a year after the AELTC implemented electronic line calling, which brought an end to the centuries-old role of line judges.
Reviewable Decisions
Competitors cannot to dispute the call of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to ask for the official to re-examine specific decisions, including:
- Whether a ball has bounced twice.
- If a shot made contact with an opponent's racquet or person during play.
- Potential hindrance at the conclusion of a point.
Notably, there is no limit on the number of reviews a player can ask for.
Practical Application
A recent incident took place in a recent tournament recently, where a top player used the video challenge against his opponent.
The British player admitted it was a difficult call for the umpire, but believed his opponent had "used the regulations effectively."
The umpire watched a video and ruled the player was guilty of interference, awarding the rally to Medvedev.
Wider Implementation
This technology aren't new for major tournaments. It was adopted at the American major since 2023 and the Aussie Open this year.
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 all of its tournaments.
Further Updates
A further change at The Championships this year will be the introduction of graphical cues on displays to support the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This solves instances where spectators have occasionally been uncertain whether a shot was in or out.
Finally, with precisely 100 days to go until the start of the Championships, the AELTC have further announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
