Wimbledon will follow the US and Australian Opens in implementing video review technology.
Replay technology will be launched at The Championships this year.
Competitors are granted the right to contest particular decisions made by the chair umpire, mirroring the system currently in operation at both the US Open and the Australian Open.
The new system will be accessible on the main stadium and Court One for the duration of the Championships and on the remaining show courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This move comes just a season following the All England Club implemented ELC, which terminated the centuries-old tradition of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Competitors cannot to challenge the call of the ELC system, but are allowed to ask for the umpire to review specific decisions, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a ball made contact with an opponent's racquet or person on the way past.
- Potential hindrance end of a rally.
Importantly, there will be an unlimited number on the number of challenges a player can initiate.
Practical Application
A recent incident took place in Indian Wells last week, where a top player used the review system against Jack Draper.
The British player conceded it was a difficult call for the umpire, but believed his opponent had "played the rules quite well."
The umpire watched a replay and ruled the player was guilty of hindrance, awarding the rally to his opponent.
Growing Trend
This technology aren't exclusive to Grand Slams. It has been in use at the American major since 2023 and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by next season the ATP circuit plans to have the system in place at every one of its tournaments.
Other Changes
Another innovation at Wimbledon this year involves the introduction of graphical cues on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses instances where fans have sometimes been uncertain if a shot was in or out.
Finally, with exactly 100 days remaining until the start of the tournament, the AELTC have also revealed an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
