Wimbledon will follow the American and Australian Opens in implementing replay systems.
Replay systems are set to arrive at The Championships in the upcoming tournament.
Players will gain the ability to question certain rulings from the chair umpire, following the practice already in operation at both the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
The new system will be operational on Centre Court and the number one court for the duration of the tournament and on the remaining featured courts when they are staging singles contests.
This step follows just a season following the AELTC rolled out electronic line calling, which effectively ended the 147-year role of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Players will not be permitted to dispute the call of the electronic line calling, but they can ask for the official to re-examine other decisions, such as:
- Whether a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- If a ball touched an rival's racket or person during play.
- Potential interference at the conclusion of a rally.
Importantly, there will be an unlimited number on the number of reviews a competitor can initiate.
A Recent Example
An illustrative case took place in Indian Wells last week, where Daniil Medvedev used the video challenge against his opponent.
The British player admitted it was a tough call for the official, but thought his rival had "used the regulations effectively."
The umpire viewed a replay and determined Draper was guilty of hindrance, awarding the rally to his opponent.
Growing Trend
Video reviews are not exclusive to Grand Slams. The system has been in use at the American major for two years and the Aussie Open since 2025.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by next season the ATP circuit plans to have the system in place at every one of its events.
Additional Innovations
Another innovation at Wimbledon this year will be the introduction of graphical cues on displays to support the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses instances where spectators have sometimes been unsure whether a ball was out or in.
Finally, with precisely 100 days to go until the beginning of the Championships, the AELTC have further announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
