Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in implementing video review systems.
Video review systems will make its debut at Wimbledon this year.
Competitors will gain the option to contest specific decisions from the chair umpire, echoing the practice already in use at both the US Open and the Aussie major.
The new system will be accessible on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the tournament and on the remaining featured courts when they are staging singles contests.
This development comes just a year after the AELTC rolled out ELC, which terminated the 147-year tradition of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Players will not be permitted to dispute the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to ask for the official to review other decisions, including:
- If a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a ball made contact with an opponent's racquet or body during play.
- Possible interference end of a rally.
Notably, there is an unlimited number on the number of challenges a player can initiate.
Practical Application
A recent case occurred in a recent tournament last week, where a top player used the review system against his opponent.
The British player conceded it was a tough situation for the umpire, but believed his opponent had "played the rules effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a video and determined the player was responsible for hindrance, awarding the rally to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
Video reviews aren't exclusive to major tournaments. The system was adopted at the American major since 2023 and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the men's ATP Tour will have video reviews implemented at all of its events.
Other Changes
Another change at The Championships this year involves the addition of visual indicators on scoreboards to complement the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses situations where spectators have sometimes been uncertain whether a ball was out or in.
Finally, with exactly a century of days remaining until the beginning of the tournament, organizers have also revealed an increase in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
