The tournament joins the US and Australian Opens in implementing replay technology.
Replay systems are set to arrive at The Championships in the upcoming tournament.
Competitors will gain the right to contest certain calls made by the chair umpire, echoing the system currently in operation at each of the US Open and the Australian Open.
This innovation is slated for use on Centre Court and Court One throughout the tournament and on the other four show courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This development comes just a year after the All England Club rolled out ELC, which effectively ended the longstanding tradition of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Competitors cannot to dispute the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but they can ask for the official to review other situations, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot touched an rival's racket or body during play.
- Potential hindrance at the conclusion of a point.
Importantly, there will be no limit on the number of challenges a competitor can ask for.
Case in Point
An illustrative example took place in Indian Wells recently, where a top player used the review system against his opponent.
The British player admitted it was a tough call for the umpire, but believed his opponent had "used the regulations quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a replay and determined the player was guilty of hindrance, awarding the rally to Medvedev.
Broader Adoption
This technology aren't exclusive to Grand Slams. It has been in use at the American major since 2023 and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by next season the ATP circuit plans to have video reviews implemented at every one of its tournaments.
Additional Innovations
Another innovation at Wimbledon this year will be the addition of graphical cues on displays to support the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses situations where fans have occasionally been uncertain whether a shot was in or out.
Finally, with exactly a century of days to go until the start of the tournament, organizers have further revealed an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
