Wimbledon Adopts Video Challenge Technology for the First Time.
The tournament joins the US and Aussie Opens in utilizing video review systems.
Video review technology are set to arrive at The Championships in the upcoming tournament.
Athletes will gain the option to contest specific rulings from the official, echoing the system already in use at both the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
The new system will be accessible on Centre Court and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the other four show courts when they are staging singles contests.
This move comes just a season following the AELTC implemented electronic line calling, which terminated the centuries-old tradition of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the ELC system, but they can ask for the official to review specific situations, such as:
- Whether a ball has bounced twice.
- If a shot touched an rival's racket or body on the way past.
- Possible interference end of a rally.
Importantly, there will be no limit on the number of challenges a player can ask for.
Practical Application
A recent case occurred in a recent tournament last week, where Daniil Medvedev used the video challenge against his opponent.
Draper conceded it was a difficult call for the umpire, but thought his rival had "used the regulations quite well."
The umpire watched a video and ruled the player was responsible for hindrance, granting the rally to his opponent.
Growing Trend
This technology aren't exclusive to major tournaments. It has been in use at the American major since 2023 and the Aussie Open since 2025.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the ATP circuit will have the system implemented at every one of its tournaments.
Further Updates
A further change at The Championships this year will be the addition of graphical cues on displays to support the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This solves situations where the crowd have occasionally been unsure if a ball was in or out.
Finally, with exactly 100 days remaining until the beginning of the tournament, the AELTC have further announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
