Wimbledon Embraces Video Review System for the First Time.
Wimbledon will follow the US and Australian Opens in utilizing video review systems.
Replay systems will be launched at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Competitors are granted the ability to question certain calls made by the official, following the protocol already in operation at each of the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
This technology will be operational on Centre Court and the number one court throughout the Championships and on the other four show courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This development comes just a year after the All England Club implemented electronic line calling, which brought an end to the longstanding tradition of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Competitors cannot to dispute the call of the electronic line calling, but they can request the official to review other decisions, such as:
- If a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot made contact with an rival's racket or person on the way past.
- Potential hindrance at the conclusion of a rally.
Notably, there will be no limit on the amount of reviews a competitor can ask for.
Case in Point
An illustrative example took place in a recent tournament last week, where Daniil Medvedev used the review system against his opponent.
The British player admitted it was a tough situation for the umpire, but believed his opponent had "played the rules quite well."
The umpire viewed a video and ruled the player was responsible for interference, awarding the point to his opponent.
Growing Trend
Video reviews are not new for Grand Slams. It was adopted at the US Open since 2023 and the Australian Open since 2025.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the ATP circuit plans to have video reviews in place at every one of its events.
Other Changes
Another change at The Championships this year involves the introduction of visual indicators on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where spectators have occasionally been unsure if a shot was out or in.
Finally, with exactly a century of days to go until the beginning of the Championships, the AELTC have further announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
