Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in implementing video review technology.
Video review systems will be launched at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Athletes are granted the right to challenge certain rulings from the official, mirroring the system already in use at both the US Open and the Australian Open.
This technology is slated for use on the main stadium and Court One throughout the Championships and on the remaining featured courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This step comes just a season following the AELTC implemented ELC, which effectively ended the 147-year role of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Players cannot to dispute the call of the electronic line calling, but they can ask for the official to re-examine other situations, such as:
- If a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a shot touched an rival's racket or body during play.
- Potential hindrance at the conclusion of a rally.
Importantly, there is no cap on the amount of challenges a player can ask for.
Practical Application
A recent incident took place in a recent tournament recently, where a top player initiated the review system against his opponent.
The British player admitted it was a tough call for the official, but thought his opponent had "used the regulations effectively."
The umpire viewed a replay and determined the player was responsible for hindrance, awarding the point to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
Video reviews aren't exclusive to Grand Slams. The system has been in use at the American major since 2023 and the Aussie Open this year.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the ATP circuit plans to have the system in place at every one of its events.
Additional Innovations
A further change at The Championships this year will be the introduction of graphical cues on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This solves situations where spectators have occasionally been unsure whether a ball was out or in.
Finally, with precisely 100 days to go until the start of the Championships, organizers have also revealed an increase in daily capacity at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
