Wimbledon Embraces Video Review System This Season.
Wimbledon will follow the American and Australian Opens in utilizing replay systems.
Video review technology will be launched at The Championships this year.
Players are granted the right to question certain rulings from the chair umpire, echoing the system already in use at both the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
The new system will be operational on the main stadium and Court One for the duration of the Championships and on the other four featured courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This development arrives only a year after the AELTC implemented ELC, which brought an end to the centuries-old tradition of line judges.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Competitors cannot to challenge the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to request the umpire to review specific situations, including:
- If a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a shot made contact with an opponent's racquet or person during play.
- Potential interference end of a rally.
Notably, there will be no limit on the amount of reviews a player can request.
Case in Point
A recent incident took place in Indian Wells recently, where Daniil Medvedev used the video challenge against Jack Draper.
The British player conceded it was a difficult situation for the umpire, but believed his rival had "used the regulations quite well."
The umpire viewed a replay and determined the player was guilty of hindrance, awarding the point to Medvedev.
Growing Trend
Video reviews are not exclusive to Grand Slams. The system has been in use at the American major since 2023 and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by next season the ATP circuit plans to have video reviews in place at all of its events.
Other Changes
Another innovation at The Championships this year will be the introduction of graphical cues on scoreboards to complement the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This solves instances where spectators have occasionally been unsure if a shot was in or out.
In other news, with exactly a century of days remaining until the start of the tournament, the AELTC have also announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
