Wimbledon steps into new era, to introduce video review technology from 2026

Wimbledon confirmed the introduction of video review technology from the 2026 edition. Players will be able to challenge umpire decisions without any limit on reviews.

In Short

• Players allowed unlimited challenges on chair umpire’s key decisions
• System deployed across six courts including Centre Court matches
• Move followed similar adoption at US Open and Australian Open

Wimbledon is set to usher in a new era, with the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) confirming the introduction of video review technology from the 2026 edition. The move marks a significant shift for the traditionally conservative Grand Slam, as players will now be able to challenge certain on-court decisions.

The system will be rolled out across six courts, including Centre Court and No. 1 Court, along with four other show courts, ensuring it features in key matches. Following the path taken by the US Open and Australian Open, Wimbledon’s move comes amid growing demand for more consistent officiating. In an official statement, the AELTC explained how the system will work.

“Players will be allowed to review specific judgement calls made by the chair umpire (such as, for example, ‘not-up’, ‘foul shot’, ‘touch’) either on a point-ending call, when a player immediately stops play, or immediately after the completion of a point (in the case of hindrance).”

“Players will not be limited in the number of reviews they can request. This enhancement has been made as a result of feedback following the adoption of live electronic line-calling last year.”

The addition of video review comes as part of Wimbledon’s broader shift towards modern officiating. The tournament had already moved to a fully electronic line-calling system, replacing traditional line judges, though the transition drew criticism after a few high-profile issues during its initial rollout.

HOW WILL WIMBLEDON VIDEO REVIEWS WORK?

The video review system will work separately from the electronic line-calling that decides whether the ball is in or out. Instead, it will focus on tricky judgement calls by the chair umpire — like double bounces, touches, or possible hindrance during a rally.

Players can ask for a review right after a point or immediately when a decision ends a rally. There’s no limit on how many times they can challenge, giving them more freedom to question close calls.

The feature will be available on Centre Court and Court One throughout the tournament, while Courts 2, 3, 12 and 18 will use it during singles matches. Wimbledon will also make things clearer for fans by adding better visual signals on scoreboards for “out” and “fault” calls.

The move comes after a controversial moment in 2025 involving Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Sonay Kartal, where a tech error drew criticism.

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