The tournament joins the American and Australian Opens in implementing video review technology.
Replay technology will make its debut at Wimbledon this year.
Competitors will gain the option to challenge certain rulings made by the chair umpire, mirroring 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 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 rolled out electronic line calling, which brought an end to the 147-year role of line officials.
Reviewable Decisions
Players will not be permitted to dispute the accuracy of the ELC system, but they can request the umpire to re-examine other situations, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a ball touched an opponent's racquet or person on the way past.
- Potential interference at the conclusion of a rally.
Importantly, there is an unlimited number on the amount of reviews a player can ask for.
A Recent Example
A recent incident took place in Indian Wells recently, where a top player used the video challenge against his opponent.
Draper admitted it was a difficult call for the official, but believed his rival had "played the rules effectively."
The umpire viewed a replay and ruled Draper was responsible for hindrance, awarding the point to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
Video reviews are not exclusive to Grand Slams. The system was adopted at the American major since 2023 and the Aussie Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the ATP circuit will have video reviews in place at every one of its tournaments.
Other Changes
A further change at Wimbledon this year involves the addition of graphical cues on scoreboards to support the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where spectators have occasionally been unsure whether a ball was out or in.
Finally, with exactly a century of days remaining until the beginning of the tournament, the AELTC have also revealed an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
