Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in utilizing video review technology.
Replay systems are set to arrive at The Championships in the upcoming tournament.
Players are granted the option to contest specific decisions made by the chair umpire, following the protocol already in place at each of the US Open and the Australian Open.
The new system is slated for use on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the tournament and on the remaining show courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This move comes just a year after the AELTC introduced electronic line calling, which effectively ended the centuries-old tradition of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Players cannot to dispute the call of the ELC system, but they can ask for the umpire to re-examine specific decisions, including:
- If a ball has double-bounced.
- If a ball made contact with an opponent's racquet or person on the way past.
- Potential interference end of a point.
Notably, there will be an unlimited number on the amount of challenges a competitor can ask for.
Case in Point
An illustrative case took place in a recent tournament last week, where Daniil Medvedev initiated the review system against Jack Draper.
Draper conceded it was a tough call for the official, but thought his opponent had "used the regulations quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a replay and ruled Draper was responsible for interference, granting the rally to Medvedev.
Growing Trend
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 increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the men's ATP Tour plans to have the system implemented at every one of its tournaments.
Additional Innovations
Another innovation at Wimbledon this year involves the addition of visual indicators on scoreboards to complement the audio calls from the ELC system.
This solves instances where fans have occasionally been uncertain whether a ball was out or in.
Finally, with precisely a century of days to go until the beginning of the Championships, organizers have also announced an increase in daily capacity at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
