Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in employing replay technology.
Replay systems will be launched at Wimbledon this year.
Competitors are granted the option to contest specific decisions from the chair umpire, echoing the system currently in operation at both the US Open and the Aussie major.
The new system will be accessible on Centre Court 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 development comes just a year after the All England Club rolled out electronic line calling, which brought an end to the centuries-old role of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Players cannot to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but they can request the official to review other decisions, including:
- If a ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a ball made contact with an opponent's racquet or body on the way past.
- Possible hindrance at the conclusion of a point.
Notably, there will be an unlimited number on the amount of challenges a competitor can initiate.
Practical Application
An illustrative incident occurred in a recent tournament recently, where a top player used the review system against Jack Draper.
The British player admitted it was a difficult situation for the umpire, but thought his opponent had "used the regulations effectively."
The umpire viewed a video and ruled the player was guilty of interference, granting the rally to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
This technology aren't new for major tournaments. It has been in use at the US Open for two years and the Aussie Open since 2025.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the men's ATP Tour plans to have the system in place at every one of its tournaments.
Other Changes
A further change at The Championships this year will be the introduction of visual indicators on displays to support the audio calls from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where spectators have sometimes been uncertain if a ball was out or in.
In other news, with precisely 100 days to go until the start of the Championships, organizers have also revealed an increase in daily capacity at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
