Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in utilizing replay technology.
Replay systems will be launched at The Championships this year.
Athletes are granted the right to question particular decisions from the chair umpire, following the system currently in use at both the US Open and the Aussie major.
This innovation is slated for use on Centre Court and the number one court for the duration of the tournament and on the other four show courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This move comes just a season following the AELTC implemented ELC, which effectively ended the longstanding role of line judges.
Reviewable Decisions
Competitors cannot to dispute the call of the ELC system, but are allowed to ask for the umpire to re-examine other situations, such as:
- Whether a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- If a ball made contact with an rival's racket or body during play.
- Possible interference end of a rally.
Importantly, there is an unlimited number on the number of challenges a competitor can request.
Practical Application
A recent incident occurred in Indian Wells last week, where a top player used the review system against Jack Draper.
Draper conceded it was a tough call for the official, but thought his rival had "played the rules quite well."
The umpire watched a video and ruled Draper was guilty of interference, awarding the point to Medvedev.
Growing Trend
This technology are not new for Grand Slams. The system has been in use at the American major since 2023 and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the men's ATP Tour will have the system in place at all of its events.
Other Changes
Another change at Wimbledon this year involves the introduction of graphical cues on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where the crowd have sometimes been uncertain whether a ball was out or in.
In other news, with exactly a century of days remaining until the start of the Championships, the AELTC have further revealed an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
