Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in utilizing replay technology.
Replay systems will make its debut at Wimbledon this year.
Athletes are granted the option to question certain decisions made by the chair umpire, mirroring the protocol already in use at both the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
This innovation will be operational on Centre Court and the number one court throughout the Championships and on the remaining show courts when they are staging singles matches.
This step comes just a season following the AELTC implemented electronic line calling, which brought an end to the centuries-old role of line officials.
Reviewable Decisions
Players will not be permitted to dispute the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to request the official to re-examine other decisions, including:
- Whether a ball has bounced twice.
- If a shot touched an rival's racket or person on the way past.
- Potential hindrance at the conclusion of a point.
Notably, there will be no cap on the number of challenges a player can ask for.
Practical Application
An illustrative example took place in Indian Wells recently, where a top player used the review system against his opponent.
Draper admitted it was a tough situation for the umpire, but believed his opponent had "played the rules effectively."
The umpire watched a video and determined the player was responsible for hindrance, awarding the rally to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
Video reviews aren't exclusive to Grand Slams. It was adopted at the American major for two years and the Australian Open since 2025.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the ATP circuit plans to have the system implemented at every one of its tournaments.
Other Changes
Another change at The Championships this year involves the addition of graphical cues on scoreboards to support the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses situations where fans have occasionally been unsure if a shot was in or out.
In other news, with precisely a century of days to go until the beginning of the Championships, the AELTC have further announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
