Wimbledon Introduces Video Challenge System This Season.
Wimbledon will follow the US and Australian Opens in employing video review technology.
Video review systems will make its debut at Wimbledon this year.
Players will gain the option to contest particular rulings made by the chair umpire, following the protocol currently in place at each of the US Open and the Aussie major.
This innovation will be operational on Centre Court and Court One for the duration of the tournament and on the remaining featured courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This development arrives only a year after the AELTC introduced electronic line calling, which brought an end to the centuries-old role of line judges.
Reviewable Decisions
Competitors cannot to dispute the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to ask for the umpire to re-examine other situations, such as:
- If a ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot touched an opponent's racquet or body during play.
- Potential interference at the conclusion of a point.
Importantly, there is an unlimited number on the number of reviews a competitor can ask for.
Case in Point
An illustrative example took place in Indian Wells 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 thought his rival had "played the rules quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a replay and determined Draper was responsible for interference, awarding the rally to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
This technology aren't new for major tournaments. It has been in use at the US Open for two years and the Australian Open since 2025.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the ATP circuit plans to have video reviews in place at every one of its events.
Other Changes
A further change at Wimbledon this year involves the addition of graphical cues on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where spectators have sometimes been uncertain if a shot was out or in.
Finally, with exactly 100 days to go until the beginning of the tournament, the AELTC have further announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
