Wimbledon will follow the American and Australian Opens in implementing replay systems.
Video review systems are set to arrive at The Championships this year.
Competitors will gain the ability to question particular decisions from the chair umpire, following the practice already in use at each of the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
This innovation is slated for use on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the tournament and on the other four featured courts when they are staging singles contests.
This development follows just a year after the AELTC rolled out ELC, which brought an end to the 147-year role of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Players cannot to challenge the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to request the umpire to review specific decisions, such as:
- If a ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot touched an opponent's racquet or person on the way past.
- Possible interference end of a point.
Notably, there will be an unlimited number on the amount of reviews a competitor can initiate.
A Recent Example
A recent incident took place in a recent tournament recently, where a top player used the review system against his opponent.
Draper conceded it was a tough call for the official, but believed his opponent had "played the rules effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a replay and ruled the player was responsible for interference, granting the rally to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
This technology aren't new for Grand Slams. It has been in use at the American major since 2023 and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by next season the ATP circuit plans to have the system in place at every one of its events.
Other Changes
Another change at The Championships this year involves the addition of graphical cues on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses situations where the crowd have sometimes been unsure whether a shot was out or in.
Finally, with precisely a century of days remaining until the start of the tournament, organizers have also revealed an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
