The tournament joins the US and Aussie Opens in utilizing replay technology.
Replay systems will make its debut at The Championships this year.
Players will gain the ability to challenge certain rulings from the chair umpire, echoing the practice already in operation at each of the US Open and the Australian Open.
This innovation is slated for use on Centre Court and the number one court throughout the tournament and on the remaining featured courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This step arrives only a season following the AELTC rolled out electronic line calling, which terminated the centuries-old tradition of line judges.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Competitors will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to ask for the umpire to re-examine specific situations, including:
- Whether a ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a shot touched an opponent's racquet or body during play.
- Possible hindrance end of a rally.
Importantly, there is an unlimited number on the amount of challenges a competitor can request.
Practical Application
An illustrative case occurred in a recent tournament recently, where a top player initiated the review system against Jack Draper.
Draper admitted it was a difficult call for the umpire, but believed his opponent had "played the rules quite well."
The umpire watched a replay and ruled the player was responsible for hindrance, granting the rally to Medvedev.
Broader Adoption
This technology aren't new for major tournaments. The system was adopted at the US Open for two years and the Australian Open since 2025.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by next season the ATP circuit will have the system in place at every one of its events.
Additional Innovations
Another change at The Championships this year will be the addition of graphical cues on displays to support the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses situations where fans have sometimes been uncertain 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 revealed an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
