Wimbledon Adopts Video Challenge System for the First Time.
The tournament joins the American and Australian Opens in employing replay systems.
Video review technology are set to arrive at Wimbledon this year.
Athletes will gain the right to question certain rulings from the official, echoing the system already in use at each of the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
This technology is slated for use on the main stadium and Court One throughout the tournament and on the remaining show courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This move follows just a season following the AELTC implemented ELC, which brought an end to the 147-year role of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors will not be permitted to challenge the call of the ELC system, but they can ask for the umpire to re-examine other situations, such as:
- If a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a shot made contact with an rival's racket or person during play.
- Possible hindrance end of a point.
Importantly, there is an unlimited number on the amount of challenges a player can request.
Practical Application
An illustrative case took place in Indian Wells last week, where Daniil Medvedev used the video challenge against his opponent.
The British player admitted it was a difficult situation for the official, but believed his opponent had "played the rules quite well."
The umpire watched a replay and determined Draper was guilty of interference, awarding the rally to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
This technology aren't new for Grand Slams. It has been in use at the American major since 2023 and the Aussie Open since 2025.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by next season the men's ATP Tour plans to have video reviews in place at every one of its events.
Other Changes
A further change at The Championships this year will be the addition of visual indicators on displays to support the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where fans have occasionally been uncertain if a shot was in or out.
Finally, with exactly a century of days to go until the start of the Championships, the AELTC have also revealed an increase in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
