Wimbledon will follow the US and Australian Opens in utilizing video review systems.
Replay systems are set to arrive at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Competitors are granted the option to challenge specific calls from the official, following the system currently in operation at both the US Open and the Australian Open.
This innovation is slated for use on Centre Court and Court One throughout the tournament and on the other four show courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This move arrives only a season following the AELTC rolled out electronic line calling, which brought an end to the longstanding role of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Players will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to ask for the official to review specific situations, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a shot touched an opponent's racquet or body on the way past.
- Potential hindrance at the conclusion of a point.
Importantly, there is no cap on the number of challenges a player can request.
A Recent Example
An illustrative incident occurred in Indian Wells recently, where Daniil Medvedev used the video challenge against his opponent.
The British player admitted it was a difficult situation for the umpire, but thought his opponent had "used the regulations effectively."
The umpire watched a video and ruled the player was guilty of hindrance, granting the point to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
Video reviews are not exclusive to Grand Slams. It has been in use at the American major since 2023 and the Aussie Open this year.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the men's ATP Tour will have video reviews implemented at every one of its tournaments.
Further Updates
Another innovation at The Championships this year will be the addition of visual indicators on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses situations where spectators have occasionally been uncertain whether a shot was out or in.
Finally, with exactly a century of days remaining until the beginning of the tournament, organizers have further revealed an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
