The tournament joins the US and Aussie Opens in employing video review systems.
Video review systems will make its debut at Wimbledon this year.
Athletes will gain the right to contest specific rulings made by the chair umpire, following the system currently in use at both the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
The new system will be operational on Centre Court and Court One throughout the Championships and on the remaining featured courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This development follows just a year after the AELTC rolled out ELC, which brought an end to the 147-year role of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Players will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to ask for the official to review specific decisions, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a ball touched an rival's racket or body on the way past.
- Potential interference end of a point.
Importantly, there is an unlimited number on the amount of challenges a competitor can request.
Case in Point
An illustrative case occurred in a recent tournament last week, where a top player used the video challenge against his opponent.
The British player admitted it was a tough situation for the official, but believed his opponent had "played the rules effectively."
The umpire viewed a replay and ruled Draper was guilty of hindrance, awarding the point to Medvedev.
Wider Implementation
This technology are not exclusive to major tournaments. It has been in use at the American major since 2023 and the Aussie Open this year.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the ATP circuit plans to have video reviews in place at all of its tournaments.
Additional Innovations
A further innovation at Wimbledon this year will be the introduction of graphical cues on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This solves situations where spectators have sometimes been unsure if a ball was in or out.
In other news, with exactly 100 days remaining until the beginning of the Championships, the AELTC have further announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
