Tennis Reviews: Hindrance Calls, Video Tech & Wimbledon Updates
A controversial hindrance call during a BNP Paribas Open quarterfinal match between Daniil Medvedev and Jack Draper ignited debate over the evolving leverage of video review in professional tennis. The incident, occurring on Stadium 2 in Indian Wells, California, on March 13, 2026, saw umpire Aurelie Tourte award a point to Medvedev after reviewing a challenge related to Draper’s actions during a rally.
The pivotal moment unfolded at 5-5 in the second set, with Medvedev leading 0-15. Draper, after hitting a forehand, extended his arms in a wide, shrugging motion. Medvedev immediately requested a review, arguing that Draper’s gesture had distracted him. Tourte, after examining video footage, ruled that Draper had committed a hindrance, awarding the point to Medvedev. This decision proved crucial, as Medvedev subsequently broke Draper’s serve and closed out the match 6-1, 7-5.
The call drew immediate and vocal disapproval from the crowd, with audible boos directed at Medvedev during the changeovers and after the match. Draper, whereas acknowledging the difficulty of the call for the umpire, suggested that Medvedev had effectively utilized the rules to his advantage. “I don’t suppose it distracted you enough. That’s what I’m saying,” Draper told Medvedev during a post-match exchange at the net, as reported by Tennis365. Medvedev responded, “I could say it’s true,” and later admitted he “didn’t feel great” about the situation.
The incident is the latest in a series of controversial hindrance calls this year, highlighting the challenges of interpreting the rule and the increasing scrutiny it faces. Earlier in 2026, Aryna Sabalenka received a penalty at the Australian Open for an extended grunt, while Dušan Lajović benefited from a match point awarded due to an opponent’s audible reaction during a shot. Another contentious call occurred at the same Indian Wells tournament, where Luciano Darderi was denied a hindrance call against Rinky Hijikata, despite video review confirming a shout from the crowd, not Hijikata himself.
Video review for hindrance calls was first implemented at the US Open in 2023 and expanded to the Australian Open in 2025. The ATP Tour is set to adopt video review across all events by the next season. The use of visual indicators, such as flashing net posts to signal out balls, has too been introduced at tournaments like the Australian Open to aid both players and spectators. Wimbledon is also planning to add visual indicators to its scoreboards this year.
The AELTC announced, with exactly 100 days remaining until the start of The Championships, that capacity at the qualifying competition in Roehampton will increase from 3,500 to 4,000 each day. The expansion of video review and the introduction of visual aids represent ongoing efforts to address line calls and potential distractions, but the Draper-Medvedev incident demonstrates that the interpretation of hindrance remains a complex and potentially contentious issue within the sport.