The tournament joins the American and Aussie Opens in implementing video review technology.
Replay systems will make its debut at The Championships this year.
Competitors are granted the option to question particular rulings made by the chair umpire, echoing the system already in operation at both the US Open and the Aussie major.
This technology is slated for use on the main stadium and Court One for the duration of the tournament and on the remaining featured courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This step arrives only a season following the AELTC implemented electronic line calling, which brought an end to the 147-year role of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Players will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to request the official to re-examine specific decisions, such as:
- If a ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a ball touched an rival's racket or person on the way past.
- Possible interference end of a rally.
Notably, there is no limit on the number of reviews a player can initiate.
A Recent Example
An illustrative case occurred in Indian Wells last week, where a top player used the review system against Jack Draper.
The British player admitted it was a difficult call for the umpire, but believed his opponent had "played the rules quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a replay and determined the player was guilty of interference, granting the rally to his opponent.
Growing Trend
This technology aren't exclusive to Grand Slams. The system has been in use at the US Open since 2023 and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the men's ATP Tour plans to have the system in place at every one of its events.
Further Updates
Another innovation at Wimbledon this year involves the addition of visual indicators on scoreboards to support the audio calls from the ELC system.
This solves instances where spectators have sometimes been unsure if a ball was out or in.
In other news, with exactly 100 days remaining until the beginning of the Championships, the AELTC have also revealed an increase in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
