Wimbledon Embraces Video Challenge System for the First Time.
Wimbledon will follow the American and Australian Opens in implementing video review systems.
Replay systems are set to arrive at The Championships this year.
Athletes are granted the right to contest particular calls from the chair umpire, echoing the practice already in use at both the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
This technology is slated for use on the main stadium and the number one court throughout the Championships and on the remaining featured courts when they are staging singles matches.
This step comes just a year after the All England Club implemented electronic line calling, which brought an end to the 147-year role of line judges.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Competitors cannot to dispute the call of the ELC system, but are allowed to request the umpire to re-examine other decisions, including:
- If a ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot touched an opponent's racquet or person on the way past.
- Potential hindrance end of a rally.
Notably, there is an unlimited number on the amount of reviews a competitor can initiate.
Case in Point
A recent incident took place in a recent tournament last week, where Daniil Medvedev used the video challenge against his opponent.
Draper conceded it was a tough call for the umpire, but believed his rival had "played the rules quite well."
The umpire watched a video and ruled the player was responsible for interference, granting the point to Medvedev.
Wider Implementation
This technology aren't new for major tournaments. It was adopted at the American major since 2023 and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by next season the ATP circuit plans to have video reviews implemented at every one of its tournaments.
Further Updates
Another innovation at The Championships this year will be the addition of visual indicators on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses situations where fans have occasionally been uncertain if a ball was out or in.
In other news, with precisely 100 days to go until the start of the Championships, the AELTC have further announced an increase in daily capacity at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
