Wimbledon Introduces Video Review Technology for the First Time.
Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in implementing replay systems.
Replay technology will make its debut at Wimbledon this year.
Players will gain the right to question certain calls from the official, following the protocol already in place at each of the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
This innovation is slated for use on Centre Court and Court One throughout the Championships and on the other four featured courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This step follows just a season following the AELTC implemented ELC, which effectively ended the longstanding role of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Competitors cannot to dispute the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to request the umpire to re-examine other decisions, such as:
- Whether a ball has double-bounced.
- If a ball made contact with an rival's racket or body during play.
- Possible hindrance end of a rally.
Importantly, there is an unlimited number on the amount of reviews a player can ask for.
Case in Point
An illustrative incident occurred in Indian Wells last week, where a top player used the review system against his opponent.
Draper conceded it was a tough situation for the official, but thought his rival had "used the regulations effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a video and ruled the player was guilty of hindrance, granting the rally to Medvedev.
Growing Trend
This technology aren't new for Grand Slams. The system was adopted at the US Open since 2023 and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the men's ATP Tour plans to have video reviews implemented at all of its events.
Further Updates
A further innovation at The Championships this year will be the addition of graphical cues on scoreboards to complement the audio calls from the ELC system.
This addresses situations where spectators have occasionally been uncertain whether a shot was in or out.
In other news, with exactly 100 days remaining until the beginning of the Championships, organizers have also announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
