Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in implementing replay technology.
Replay systems will be launched at The Championships this year.
Competitors will gain the right to question certain rulings made by the chair umpire, echoing the practice already in use at each of the US Open and the Australian Open.
This innovation will be operational on the main stadium and Court One for the duration of the Championships and on the other four featured courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This step arrives only a year after the AELTC implemented electronic line calling, which brought an end to the 147-year tradition of line judges.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Competitors will not be permitted to dispute the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but they can ask for the official to re-examine other situations, including:
- If a ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot touched an rival's racket or person on the way past.
- Possible hindrance end of a rally.
Notably, there is no cap on the number of reviews a player can initiate.
Case in Point
A recent case took place in Indian Wells recently, where Daniil Medvedev used the review system against his opponent.
Draper conceded it was a tough situation for the official, but thought his opponent had "used the regulations effectively."
The umpire watched a video and ruled the player was responsible for hindrance, granting the rally to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
This technology aren't new for major tournaments. The system was adopted at the US Open since 2023 and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by next season the ATP circuit will have video reviews implemented at every one of its events.
Further Updates
Another innovation at Wimbledon this year will be the addition of graphical cues on displays to complement the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses situations where the crowd have occasionally been uncertain whether a ball was in or out.
In other news, with exactly a century of days remaining until the beginning of the Championships, the AELTC have further revealed an increase in daily capacity at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
