Wimbledon will follow the American and Australian Opens in implementing replay systems.
Video review systems will make its debut at Wimbledon this year.
Athletes are granted the right to contest certain decisions from the chair umpire, following the system currently in operation at both the US Open and the Aussie major.
This technology is slated for use on the main stadium and the number one court throughout the tournament and on the other four show courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This move follows just a year after the All England Club implemented ELC, which effectively ended the centuries-old tradition of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the ELC system, but they can ask for the umpire to re-examine specific decisions, such as:
- If a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a ball made contact with an rival's racket or person during play.
- Potential hindrance end of a point.
Importantly, there is an unlimited number on the number of challenges a player can initiate.
A Recent Example
An illustrative example took place in a recent tournament last week, where a top player initiated the review system against Jack Draper.
Draper conceded it was a tough situation for the umpire, but thought his rival had "played the rules quite well."
The umpire watched a video and ruled the player was responsible for interference, awarding the point to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
Video reviews are not new for Grand Slams. The system was adopted at the American major since 2023 and the Australian Open since 2025.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the ATP circuit will have video reviews in place at all of its events.
Further Updates
Another change at The Championships this year will be the introduction of visual indicators on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses situations where spectators have occasionally been uncertain if a shot was in or out.
Finally, with precisely 100 days to go until the beginning of the tournament, organizers have further announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
