The tournament joins the US and Australian Opens in implementing video review systems.
Video review systems are set to arrive at Wimbledon this year.
Competitors will gain the right to challenge certain rulings made by the chair umpire, mirroring the system already in place at each of the US Open and the Aussie major.
This innovation will be accessible on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the other four featured courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This move arrives only a year after the All England Club rolled out ELC, which brought an end to the longstanding tradition of line judges.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Players cannot to challenge the call of the ELC system, but are allowed to ask for the umpire to re-examine specific situations, such as:
- If a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- If a ball touched an rival's racket or person during play.
- Potential interference end of a point.
Importantly, there will be an unlimited number on the amount of reviews a competitor can request.
Case in Point
An illustrative case occurred in Indian Wells recently, where Daniil Medvedev used the review system against his opponent.
The British player conceded it was a tough situation for the umpire, but believed his opponent had "used the regulations quite well."
The umpire viewed a replay and determined Draper was responsible for hindrance, granting the rally to Medvedev.
Growing Trend
Video reviews are not new for Grand Slams. The system was adopted 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 will have the system implemented at every one of its tournaments.
Further Updates
A further change at The Championships this year will be the introduction of graphical cues on displays to complement the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses instances where spectators have occasionally been uncertain whether a shot was out or in.
In other news, with precisely 100 days to go until the beginning of the Championships, the AELTC have also announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
