Wimbledon Adopts Video Challenge System for the First Time.

Video review systems will make its debut at The Championships this year.

Athletes are granted the option to question certain calls made by the chair umpire, echoing the system already in place at each of the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.

This innovation is slated for use 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 development follows just a season following the All England Club implemented electronic line calling, which brought an end to the longstanding role of line officials.

Reviewable Decisions

Players will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to request the umpire to review specific situations, including:

• Whether a tennis ball has bounced twice.
• Whether a ball touched an opponent's racquet or person during play.
• Potential interference end of a point.

Notably, there is no limit on the number of challenges a competitor can ask for.

Case in Point

A recent case took place in a recent tournament recently, where a top player used the review system against his opponent.

Draper admitted it was a difficult call for the official, but thought his rival had "used the regulations effectively."

The umpire viewed a video and ruled Draper was guilty of interference, granting the rally to his opponent.

Broader Adoption

Video reviews aren't new for Grand Slams. It was adopted at the American major for two years and the Australian Open since 2025.

Additionally, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the ATP circuit plans to have video reviews in place at every one of its events.

Additional Innovations

Another change at The Championships this year involves the introduction of graphical cues on scoreboards to support the verbal announcements from the ELC system.

This solves instances where spectators have occasionally been unsure whether a ball was in or out.

In other news, with precisely 100 days to go until the start of the tournament, the AELTC have further announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.