Wimbledon Adopts Video Review System for the First Time.
Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in implementing video review systems.
Replay technology are set to arrive at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Athletes are granted the right to challenge particular rulings made by the official, mirroring the practice already in use at each of the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
This technology will be accessible on Centre Court and the number one court throughout the Championships and on the other four featured courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This step comes just a year after the AELTC introduced ELC, which brought an end to the 147-year role of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Players will not be permitted to dispute the accuracy of the ELC system, but they can ask for the umpire to review other situations, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a ball made contact with an opponent's racquet or person on the way past.
- Potential hindrance at the conclusion of a rally.
Notably, there will be no cap on the number of challenges a player can request.
Practical Application
A recent example occurred in a recent tournament recently, where a top player used the video challenge against his opponent.
The British player admitted it was a tough call for the official, but thought his rival had "used the regulations effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a replay and ruled the player was guilty of hindrance, granting the point to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
This technology are not new for major tournaments. It has been in use at the US Open since 2023 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 implemented at every one of its tournaments.
Other Changes
Another innovation at The Championships this year involves the addition of graphical cues on scoreboards to support the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where spectators have occasionally been uncertain whether a ball was in or out.
Finally, with exactly 100 days to go until the start of the tournament, the AELTC have further revealed an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
