Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in utilizing replay systems.
Video review technology will make its debut at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Athletes are granted the option to contest specific calls from the chair umpire, mirroring the system currently in place at each of the US Open and the Australian Open.
This technology will be operational on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the remaining featured courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This move arrives only a season following the All England Club implemented electronic line calling, which effectively ended the 147-year tradition of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Competitors will not be permitted to dispute the call of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to ask for the official to review specific decisions, including:
- Whether a ball has bounced twice.
- If a ball touched an rival's racket or person on the way past.
- Possible interference at the conclusion of a point.
Notably, there will be no limit on the amount of challenges a competitor can request.
Practical Application
An illustrative case occurred in a recent tournament last week, where Daniil Medvedev used the review system against his opponent.
Draper admitted it was a tough call for the official, but believed his rival had "used the regulations quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a replay and ruled Draper was responsible for hindrance, awarding the point to Medvedev.
Broader Adoption
This technology aren't new for Grand Slams. It has been in use at the American major for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the men's ATP Tour plans to have video reviews in place at every one of its tournaments.
Other Changes
Another innovation at Wimbledon this year involves the introduction of visual indicators on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This solves instances where the crowd have sometimes been uncertain if a shot was in or out.
In other news, with precisely a century of days to go until the beginning of the tournament, the AELTC have also revealed an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
