Wimbledon will follow the US and Australian Opens in employing video review systems.
Video review systems will make its debut at The Championships in the upcoming tournament.
Players are granted the ability to contest specific rulings made by the chair umpire, mirroring the system currently in operation at each of the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
The new system is slated for use on Centre Court and the number one court throughout the Championships and on the remaining featured courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This move comes just a season following the AELTC implemented ELC, which terminated the 147-year tradition of line officials.
Reviewable Decisions
Players will not be permitted to dispute the call of the electronic line calling, but they can request the umpire to review other decisions, such as:
- Whether a ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a ball made contact with an rival's racket or body on the way past.
- Potential interference at the conclusion of a point.
Notably, there will be an unlimited number on the number of challenges a player can request.
Practical Application
A recent incident occurred in Indian Wells recently, where a top player used the review system against Jack Draper.
The British player admitted it was a tough situation for the umpire, but believed his opponent had "used the regulations quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a replay and determined Draper was responsible for hindrance, awarding the point to his opponent.
Growing Trend
This technology aren't exclusive to major tournaments. It was adopted at the US Open 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 will have the system implemented at all of its tournaments.
Further Updates
Another change at Wimbledon this year will be the introduction of graphical cues on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This solves instances where fans have sometimes been unsure whether a shot was in or out.
In other news, with exactly 100 days remaining until the start of the Championships, the AELTC have also revealed an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
