Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in implementing replay systems.
Replay systems are set to arrive at The Championships this year.
Players will gain the right to contest specific calls from the chair umpire, mirroring the practice currently in use at both the US Open and the Australian Open.
This innovation will be operational on the main stadium and the number one court throughout the tournament and on the remaining show courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This development arrives only a year after the AELTC implemented electronic line calling, which brought an end to the longstanding role of line officials.
Reviewable Decisions
Competitors will not be permitted to dispute the call of the ELC system, but are allowed to request the official to review other decisions, such as:
- Whether a ball has double-bounced.
- If a ball made contact with an rival's racket or person during play.
- Possible hindrance end of a point.
Importantly, there is no cap on the amount of reviews a competitor can initiate.
A Recent Example
A recent example took place in a recent tournament last week, where Daniil Medvedev used the review system against Jack Draper.
The British player admitted it was a tough situation for the umpire, but thought his rival had "used the regulations effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a replay and ruled the player was responsible for hindrance, awarding the point to Medvedev.
Broader Adoption
This technology are not exclusive to Grand Slams. It was adopted at the American major since 2023 and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the men's ATP Tour will have the system implemented at all of its events.
Additional Innovations
Another change at The Championships this year involves the introduction of graphical cues on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This solves instances where fans have sometimes been uncertain whether a ball was out or in.
Finally, with precisely a century of days remaining until the beginning of the tournament, organizers have further announced an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
