The tournament joins the US and Aussie Opens in implementing replay systems.
Video review systems are set to arrive at Wimbledon this year.
Competitors are granted the option to challenge particular rulings made by the official, following the protocol already in use at each of the US Open and the Aussie major.
This innovation will be accessible on Centre Court and the number one court throughout the tournament and on the other four featured courts when they are staging singles contests.
This step comes just a season following the All England Club rolled out electronic line calling, which brought an end to the centuries-old tradition of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Players cannot to challenge the call of the electronic line calling, but they can ask for the umpire to review specific situations, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- If a shot made contact with an opponent's racquet or person on the way past.
- Possible hindrance at the conclusion of a point.
Importantly, there is no cap on the amount of reviews a competitor can initiate.
Case in Point
A recent case occurred in Indian Wells recently, where a top player initiated the video challenge against his opponent.
Draper conceded it was a tough call for the official, but believed his opponent had "used the regulations effectively."
The umpire viewed a replay and determined Draper was responsible for hindrance, awarding the rally to his opponent.
Growing Trend
This technology are not exclusive to major tournaments. The system has been in use at the American major for two years and the Aussie Open since 2025.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the ATP circuit will have the system in place at all of its events.
Other Changes
A further change at Wimbledon this year involves the introduction of graphical cues on scoreboards to complement the audio calls from the ELC system.
This addresses situations where spectators have sometimes been uncertain if a ball was in or out.
Finally, with precisely a century of days to go until the start of the Championships, organizers have further announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
