Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in implementing video review technology.
Replay systems will make its debut at Wimbledon this year.
Competitors will gain the right to challenge specific decisions made by the official, mirroring the practice currently in operation at each of the US Open and the Aussie major.
This technology will be accessible on Centre Court and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the remaining show courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This step comes just a season following the AELTC rolled out electronic line calling, which brought an end to the centuries-old role of line judges.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Competitors cannot to dispute the call of the ELC system, but they can ask for the umpire to re-examine other decisions, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- If a shot made contact with an opponent's racquet or person on the way past.
- Potential hindrance at the conclusion of a rally.
Importantly, there will be no limit on the amount of challenges a player can initiate.
Practical Application
A recent case occurred in Indian Wells last week, where Daniil Medvedev used the video challenge against Jack Draper.
The British player admitted it was a tough situation for the umpire, but believed his rival had "played the rules quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a video and ruled Draper was responsible for interference, awarding the point to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
This technology aren't new for major tournaments. The system was adopted at the US Open for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the ATP circuit will have video reviews in place at all of its tournaments.
Additional Innovations
Another innovation at The Championships this year will be the addition of graphical cues on displays to complement the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This solves instances where fans have sometimes been unsure if a shot was out or in.
Finally, with exactly a century of days remaining until the beginning of the tournament, the AELTC have also revealed an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
