Wimbledon Adopts Video Replay System for the First Time.
Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in utilizing replay systems.
Video review technology will be launched at Wimbledon this year.
Athletes are granted the right to question specific rulings from the chair umpire, mirroring the practice already in use at both the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
This technology will be operational on Centre Court and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the remaining show courts when they are staging singles contests.
This move arrives only a year after the AELTC implemented ELC, which effectively ended the longstanding tradition of line judges.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Competitors will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to request the umpire to re-examine other decisions, such as:
- Whether a ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a shot made contact with an rival's racket or body on the way past.
- Potential hindrance end of a point.
Importantly, there will be no cap on the amount of challenges a competitor can ask for.
Practical Application
A recent incident occurred in a recent tournament recently, where Daniil Medvedev initiated the review system against his opponent.
Draper conceded it was a tough call for the official, but believed his opponent had "played the rules effectively."
The umpire watched a replay and ruled Draper was responsible for hindrance, granting the point to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
This technology aren't new for Grand Slams. The system has been in use at the American major since 2023 and the Australian Open since 2025.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by next season the ATP circuit will have video reviews implemented at all of its events.
Other Changes
A further change at Wimbledon this year will be the addition of visual indicators on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where the crowd have sometimes been uncertain if a shot was in or out.
In other news, with precisely 100 days remaining until the beginning of the tournament, organizers have also announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
