Wimbledon Introduces Video Challenge Technology This Season.
Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in utilizing video review systems.
Video review technology will be launched at Wimbledon this year.
Competitors are granted the right to challenge specific decisions from the chair umpire, mirroring the protocol already in place at both the US Open and the Aussie major.
The new system is slated for use on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the tournament and on the other four featured courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This step follows just a year after the AELTC introduced ELC, which terminated the 147-year role of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Players will not be permitted to dispute the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to request the official to re-examine specific decisions, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- If a ball touched an rival's racket or person during play.
- Potential hindrance end of a point.
Importantly, there is no limit on the number of reviews a player can ask for.
Practical Application
A recent case took place in Indian Wells recently, where Daniil Medvedev used the video challenge against Jack Draper.
The British player conceded it was a tough situation for the official, but believed his rival had "used the regulations quite well."
The umpire watched a video and determined the player was guilty of hindrance, awarding the point to Medvedev.
Growing Trend
Video reviews aren't exclusive to major tournaments. The system has been in use at the American major for two years and the Aussie Open since 2025.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the ATP circuit will have the system implemented at all of its tournaments.
Other Changes
A further innovation at Wimbledon this year will be the addition of visual indicators on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This solves situations where the crowd have sometimes been uncertain if a shot was out or in.
In other news, with exactly 100 days to go until the beginning of the Championships, the AELTC have also announced an increase in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.