Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in utilizing video review systems.
Video review systems will be launched at Wimbledon this year.
Players are granted the option to question specific rulings from the chair umpire, echoing the system already in use at both the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
The new system is slated for use on Centre Court and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the other four featured courts when they are staging singles matches.
This step arrives only a season following the AELTC implemented ELC, which brought an end to the longstanding role of line judges.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Players will not be permitted to challenge the call of the ELC system, but are allowed to ask for the umpire to re-examine specific situations, including:
- Whether a ball has double-bounced.
- If a ball touched an opponent's racquet or body during play.
- Possible hindrance end of a rally.
Importantly, there will be an unlimited number on the amount of challenges a player can initiate.
Case in Point
An illustrative incident took place in a recent tournament recently, where a top player used the review system against Jack Draper.
Draper admitted it was a difficult call for the umpire, but thought his rival had "played the rules quite well."
The umpire viewed a replay and determined the player was responsible for hindrance, granting the point to his opponent.
Growing Trend
Video reviews aren't new for major tournaments. It has been in use at the US Open since 2023 and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the ATP circuit plans to have the system implemented at all of its events.
Further Updates
A further change at Wimbledon this year involves the addition of graphical cues on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This solves instances where spectators have occasionally been unsure whether a shot was in or out.
In other news, with precisely a century of days to go until the start of the tournament, organizers have further revealed an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
