The tournament joins the US and Australian Opens in utilizing video review technology.
Video review technology will be launched at The Championships this year.
Players will gain the right to contest specific decisions from the chair umpire, mirroring the system currently in operation at each of the US Open and the Aussie major.
This innovation will be accessible on the main stadium 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 development comes just a season following the AELTC introduced ELC, which terminated the 147-year tradition of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Players will not be permitted to dispute the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to request the umpire to re-examine specific situations, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- If a ball made contact with an rival's racket or body on the way past.
- Possible interference at the conclusion of a rally.
Importantly, there will be no limit on the amount of challenges a player can ask for.
Case in Point
An illustrative incident took place in a recent tournament recently, where Daniil Medvedev initiated the review system against Jack Draper.
The British player admitted it was a difficult call for the umpire, but thought his opponent had "played the rules effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a video and determined Draper was responsible for hindrance, awarding the point to Medvedev.
Growing Trend
This technology 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 the system implemented at every one of its events.
Additional Innovations
Another innovation at Wimbledon this year involves the introduction of visual indicators on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where spectators have occasionally been uncertain if a ball was in or out.
In other news, with precisely a century of days to go until the start of the Championships, the AELTC have further announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
