Wimbledon will follow the US and Australian Opens in utilizing video review technology.
Replay technology will make its debut at Wimbledon this year.
Athletes are granted the ability to question particular decisions made by the chair umpire, following the system currently in place at each of the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
The new system will be accessible on Centre Court and Court One throughout the Championships and on the other four show courts when they are staging singles contests.
This development comes just a season following 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 ELC system, but they can ask for the umpire to review other situations, such as:
- Whether a ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a ball touched an rival's racket or person during play.
- Possible interference end of a rally.
Importantly, there is an unlimited number on the amount of reviews a competitor can initiate.
Case in Point
An illustrative incident took place in Indian Wells last week, where a top player initiated the video challenge against his opponent.
Draper conceded it was a tough call for the official, but believed his rival had "used the regulations quite well."
The umpire viewed a replay and determined Draper was guilty of hindrance, granting the point to his opponent.
Growing Trend
Video reviews aren't exclusive to major tournaments. The system was adopted at the US Open since 2023 and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by next season the men's ATP Tour plans to have the system in place at every one of its tournaments.
Further Updates
A further change at Wimbledon this year involves the introduction of visual indicators on scoreboards to complement the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses instances where spectators have occasionally been uncertain if a shot was in or out.
In other news, with precisely 100 days remaining until the beginning of the tournament, the AELTC have further revealed an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
