Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in employing replay systems.
Video review systems will make its debut at Wimbledon this year.
Competitors will gain the right to challenge specific decisions made by the chair umpire, mirroring the protocol already in operation at each of the US Open and the Australian Open.
This innovation will be operational on the main stadium and Court One throughout the tournament and on the remaining show courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This step comes just a season following the All England Club implemented electronic line calling, which effectively ended the centuries-old tradition of line judges.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Players cannot to dispute the call of the ELC system, but are allowed to request the official to review specific decisions, such as:
- If a ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot touched an rival's racket or body during play.
- Possible hindrance end of a point.
Importantly, there is no limit on the amount of challenges a competitor can ask for.
Case in Point
A recent incident took place in Indian Wells recently, where a top player used the review system against his opponent.
Draper conceded it was a difficult call for the official, but thought his rival had "used the regulations quite well."
The umpire watched a replay and determined Draper was guilty of interference, awarding the rally to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
This technology aren't exclusive to major tournaments. It has been in use at the American major for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent 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 tournaments.
Further Updates
Another innovation at Wimbledon this year involves the addition of visual indicators on scoreboards to support the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses instances where fans have sometimes been uncertain if a shot was out or in.
In other news, with precisely 100 days to go until the beginning of the tournament, the AELTC have further announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
