The tournament joins the American and Aussie Opens in utilizing replay technology.
Replay systems will make its debut at Wimbledon this year.
Players are granted the right to contest certain calls made by the official, echoing the system already in place at both the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
This innovation will be accessible on Centre Court and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the other four featured courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This step arrives only a year after the AELTC implemented electronic line calling, which terminated the 147-year role of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Players cannot to challenge the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to ask for the umpire to review other situations, including:
- If a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a shot made contact with an rival's racket or person on the way past.
- Possible interference at the conclusion of a point.
Importantly, there is an unlimited number on the number of reviews a player can ask for.
Case in Point
An illustrative example took place in a recent tournament last week, where Daniil Medvedev initiated the review system against his opponent.
Draper admitted it was a difficult call for the umpire, but thought his rival had "played the rules quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a replay and ruled Draper was responsible for interference, granting the point to Medvedev.
Growing Trend
This technology are not new for Grand Slams. It was adopted at the American major since 2023 and the Aussie Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the men's ATP Tour will have the system in place at all of its tournaments.
Additional Innovations
Another change at The Championships this year involves the addition of graphical cues on scoreboards to support the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses instances where the crowd have sometimes been uncertain whether a ball was in or out.
Finally, with precisely 100 days remaining until the beginning of the tournament, organizers have also announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
