The tournament joins the US and Australian Opens in employing video review systems.
Replay systems are set to arrive at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Athletes are granted the right to contest certain decisions from the official, mirroring the practice currently in use at both the US Open and the Aussie major.
This technology will be accessible on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the tournament and on the remaining featured courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This move follows just a season following the AELTC introduced electronic line calling, which effectively ended the centuries-old role of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Players will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to request the umpire to re-examine other situations, including:
- If a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot touched an opponent's racquet or person on the way past.
- Possible hindrance end of a rally.
Notably, there will be no limit on the amount of challenges a player can request.
Practical Application
A recent case occurred in Indian Wells last week, where a top player initiated the video challenge against his opponent.
Draper admitted it was a tough call for the official, but believed his rival had "used the regulations quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a video and ruled Draper was guilty of hindrance, granting the point to Medvedev.
Broader Adoption
This technology aren't new for Grand Slams. It has been in use at the US Open 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 the system implemented at every one of its tournaments.
Other Changes
Another innovation at The Championships this year involves the introduction of graphical cues on scoreboards to support the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where spectators have occasionally been unsure if a shot was in or out.
Finally, with precisely 100 days to go until the beginning of the Championships, organizers have also revealed an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
