Wimbledon Championships has long been seen as the most traditional and strictest of the four Grand Slams, upholding rules and customs that date all the way back to its inception in 1877. However, 149 years on, the iconic grass-court major is now set to make a significant change to one of its longstanding rules.

It has been confirmed that Wimbledon is all set to introduce the video review system for the first time in the tournament’s 149-year-old history. This review system made its Grand Slam debut at the 2023 US Open, and it has been used at the Australian Open as well. But it is yet to be introduced at the French Open.

The video review will be available throughout the tournament at the Centre Court and No. 1 Court. The technology will also be used on No. 2 Court, No. 3 Court, Court 12, and Court 18 for singles matches.

This move comes amid an increasing demand for better officiating at tennis events. While Wimbledon may have been late to adopt the technology, it is expected to be quite helpful for the players. All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) confirmed the system’s introduction and explained how it will work through an official statement.

“Players will be allowed to review specific judgment 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),” the statement read. “Players will not be limited in the number of reviews they can request.”

The video review system will work separately from the electronic-line-calling system that will still be used to determine whether the ball is in or out. The new system will focus on the tricky calls that are made by the chair umpire. This includes instances like double touches, possible hindrances, and more.

Players can ask for the review as soon as the rally is over or immediately after the umpire’s decision brings the point to an end. Unlike the electronic-line system, there is no limit on how many times a player can ask for a video review. This provides them with more freedom to question the umpire’s calls than before.

While this may be seen as a step in the right direction for the Wimbledon Championships, there are still several traditions the tournament remains firmly committed to, despite repeated calls from players for change.

Wimbledon refuses to change its current broadcast set-up

According to a recent report by The Times, Wimbledon has decided not to change its camera set-up ahead of the 2026 edition despite the players’ growing concerns regarding privacy. The move follows backlash the Australian Open received for its invasive behind-the-scenes camera access.

As per the report, Wimbledon believes that backstage cameras offer value and capture important moments. However, the officials had confirmed that spaces designated to the players and their teams will not be recorded and this rule will apply throughout the tournament.

“Wimbledon has told players it will not be making any changes to its camera set-up at this year’s championships despite a backlash over behind-the-scenes access at the Australian Open,” Tom Kershaw noted in The Times.

The debate over players’ privacy had erupted following Coco Gauff’s elimination at the 2026 Australian Open. After losing to Elina Svitolina in the quarter-finals, Gauff smashed her racket in the backstage tunnel after a painful loss. Soon after the episode, a clip of Coco Gauff venting her frustration quickly went viral. She later spoke out against the tournament, criticizing the lack of privacy provided to players.

“I tried to go somewhere where they wouldn’t broadcast it, but obviously they did,” she said. “So, yeah, maybe some conversations can be had, because I feel like at this tournament the only private place we have is the locker room.”

The American then found support from none other than Novak Djokovic, who also shared a similar sentiment over the issue.

“I agree with her (Coco),” he said. “You know, it’s really sad that you can’t basically move away anywhere and hide and – what do you call that – fume out your frustration, your anger in a way that won’t be captured by a camera. But we live in a society and in times where content is everything, so it’s a deeper discussion.”