The All England Club has confirmed that video review technology will be used on six courts at this year’s Wimbledon tournament.
This decision follows the introduction of Electronic Line Calling last year, which experienced a high-profile issue during Sonay Kartal’s fourth-round match against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. Despite that controversy, organisers have chosen to expand the use of technology.
In singles matches on the six main show courts, players will now be allowed to challenge certain decisions made by the umpire. These include whether a ball has bounced twice, if a player has touched the net, or if a player has leaned across the net.
The new system will also apply to hindrance calls. This area could lead to debate, as seen recently at Indian Wells. During that tournament, Britain’s Jack Draper lost a point after the umpire reviewed a gesture he made and decided it had distracted his opponent, Daniil Medvedev, even though the point continued.
Other changes are being made based on feedback from last year’s event. Fans had reported difficulty hearing the automated line calls, so scoreboards will now show a visual signal when a shot is ruled out.
Key Changes for 2026
Players may request a review of specific umpire decisions, such as “not-up,” “foul shot,” or “touch.” A review can be requested either when a point-ending call is made and play stops immediately, or straight after a point ends in cases of hindrance.
There will be no limit on the number of reviews a player can ask for.
Visual indicators for live Electronic Line Calling will be added to scoreboards on all courts, including during the Qualifying Competition, showing “out” and “fault” calls.
The women’s doubles competition will start one day later than before, now scheduled to begin on Thursday 2 July.
Last year’s schedule for finals weekend will stay in place for 2026. The men’s and women’s doubles finals will begin at 1pm, followed by the women’s singles final at 4pm on Saturday and the men’s singles final at 4pm on Sunday.
Chief Executive Sally Bolton said the tournament continues to look for ways to improve.
“Each year we look for ways to evolve and enhance Wimbledon, both on and off the court,” she said.
“Through various enhancements ranging from a new public dining offer, the introduction of Video Review technology, and improved accessibility for live Electronic Line Calling, we want to deliver the best possible experience for everyone at Wimbledon.”