Wimbledon will follow the American and Australian Opens in utilizing video review systems.
Replay systems will make its debut at Wimbledon this year.
Athletes are granted the ability to contest specific rulings from the official, following the system currently in operation at both the US Open and the Australian Open.
The new system is slated for use on Centre Court and the number one court throughout the tournament and on the remaining show courts when they are staging singles matches.
This step comes just a season following the AELTC introduced electronic line calling, which terminated the 147-year tradition of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Players cannot to dispute the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but they can request the umpire to re-examine specific decisions, such as:
- Whether a ball has double-bounced.
- If a ball touched an opponent's racquet or body during play.
- Potential interference at the conclusion of a point.
Importantly, there will be an unlimited number on the amount of challenges a competitor can request.
A Recent Example
A recent case took place in a recent tournament recently, where a top player used the video challenge against Jack Draper.
Draper conceded it was a tough call for the umpire, but believed his opponent had "played the rules effectively."
The umpire viewed a video and ruled Draper was guilty of interference, awarding the point to Medvedev.
Broader Adoption
This technology aren't new for major tournaments. The system has been in use at the American major for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by next season the ATP circuit will have video reviews in place at all of its events.
Other Changes
Another innovation at The Championships this year will be the introduction of visual indicators on displays to support the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where fans have sometimes been unsure whether a ball was in or out.
Finally, with exactly a century of days remaining until the beginning of the tournament, the AELTC have further revealed an increase in daily capacity at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
