Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in utilizing replay systems.
Video review technology are set to arrive at Wimbledon this year.
Players will gain the right to challenge specific decisions made by the chair umpire, following the practice already in place at each of the US Open and the Australian Open.
This technology will be operational on Centre Court and Court One for the duration of the tournament and on the other four featured courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This move comes just a season following the AELTC introduced electronic line calling, which brought an end to the 147-year tradition of line judges.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Players will not be permitted to dispute the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to ask for the umpire to re-examine specific decisions, including:
- Whether a ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a ball touched an rival's racket or person during play.
- Possible hindrance end of a rally.
Importantly, there will be no limit on the number of challenges a competitor can initiate.
Practical Application
An illustrative example occurred in Indian Wells last week, where Daniil Medvedev initiated the video challenge against Jack Draper.
The British player conceded it was a difficult situation for the umpire, but believed his rival had "used the regulations effectively."
The umpire viewed a replay and determined the player was responsible for hindrance, awarding the rally to Medvedev.
Wider Implementation
This technology are not exclusive to Grand Slams. It has been in use at the American major for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the men's ATP Tour plans to have video reviews in place at every one of its events.
Additional Innovations
Another innovation at The Championships this year will be the addition of visual indicators on scoreboards to support the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This solves situations where spectators have occasionally been uncertain whether a ball was out or in.
Finally, with exactly 100 days remaining until the start of the tournament, organizers have also revealed an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
