Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in implementing video review technology.
Replay systems will be launched at Wimbledon this year.
Players will gain the right to contest specific calls made by the chair umpire, echoing the protocol currently in place at each of the US Open and the Aussie major.
This technology will be operational on Centre Court and the number one court throughout the tournament and on the other four show courts when they are staging singles matches.
This development follows just a year after the AELTC introduced ELC, which effectively ended the centuries-old role of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors will not be permitted to dispute the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to ask for the official to re-examine specific decisions, including:
- If a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot made contact with an opponent's racquet or body during play.
- Possible interference at the conclusion of a point.
Importantly, there is no cap on the amount of challenges a competitor can request.
Case in Point
An illustrative incident took place in Indian Wells recently, where a top player initiated the review system against Jack Draper.
The British player conceded it was a tough call for the official, but thought his rival had "used the regulations quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a replay and ruled Draper was guilty of hindrance, granting the rally to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
This technology aren't exclusive to Grand Slams. The system was adopted at the American major since 2023 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 will have the system implemented at every one of its tournaments.
Further Updates
A further change at Wimbledon this year will be the addition of graphical cues on displays to complement the audio calls from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where fans have occasionally been uncertain if a ball was out or in.
In other news, with precisely 100 days remaining until the start of the tournament, organizers have further revealed an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
