Wimbledon Introduces Video Replay System for the First Time.
Wimbledon will follow the US and Australian Opens in implementing video review systems.
Replay systems will be launched at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Competitors are granted the right to challenge certain rulings made by the chair umpire, following the practice currently in place at both the US Open and the Aussie major.
This technology is slated for use on Centre Court and Court One for the duration of the tournament and on the other four featured courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This development arrives only a season following the AELTC introduced ELC, which effectively ended the longstanding tradition of line officials.
Reviewable Decisions
Competitors cannot to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but they can ask for the umpire to review specific decisions, including:
- If a ball has bounced twice.
- If a ball made contact with an rival's racket or body during play.
- Potential interference end of a rally.
Importantly, there will be no limit on the number of reviews a competitor can request.
A Recent Example
An illustrative example occurred in a recent tournament last week, where Daniil Medvedev used the review system against Jack Draper.
The British player conceded it was a difficult situation for the official, but believed his rival had "used the regulations quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a replay and determined Draper was responsible for interference, awarding the rally to Medvedev.
Broader Adoption
Video reviews aren't exclusive to major tournaments. The system 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 next season the ATP circuit will have the system implemented at every one of its events.
Other Changes
A further change at Wimbledon this year will be the introduction of visual indicators on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This solves instances where the crowd have sometimes been uncertain whether a shot was out or in.
In other news, with precisely 100 days to go until the beginning of the tournament, organizers have further announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
