Wimbledon will follow the American and Australian Opens in implementing video review technology.
Video review systems are set to arrive at The Championships in the upcoming tournament.
Competitors will gain the right to challenge specific decisions made by the official, following 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 throughout the Championships and on the remaining featured courts when they are staging singles matches.
This move comes just a year after the AELTC rolled out electronic line calling, which terminated the 147-year tradition of line officials.
Reviewable Decisions
Competitors will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to request the official to review other situations, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot touched an rival's racket or body during play.
- Possible hindrance end of a point.
Importantly, there is an unlimited number on the number of challenges a competitor can ask for.
Practical Application
A recent case took place in a recent tournament last week, where a top player initiated the video challenge against Jack Draper.
The British player admitted it was a tough call for the official, but thought his opponent had "used the regulations quite well."
The umpire watched a replay and determined the player was responsible for hindrance, awarding the rally to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
This technology aren't new for major tournaments. It was adopted at the US Open since 2023 and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by next season the men's ATP Tour plans to have video reviews in place at every one of its events.
Additional Innovations
Another innovation at Wimbledon this year involves the introduction of graphical cues on scoreboards to support the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses situations where the crowd have sometimes been unsure whether a ball was out or in.
Finally, with precisely 100 days to go until the beginning of the tournament, organizers have further announced an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
