Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in utilizing video review technology.
Replay technology will be launched at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Players will gain the option to question particular decisions made by the official, following the protocol already in operation at each of the US Open and the Australian Open.
The new system will be accessible on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the other four show courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This step arrives only a season following the All England Club implemented electronic line calling, which effectively ended the centuries-old tradition of line officials.
Reviewable Decisions
Players cannot to dispute the accuracy of the ELC system, but they can request the umpire to re-examine other decisions, including:
- If a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a ball touched an rival's racket or body on the way past.
- Possible interference at the conclusion of a point.
Importantly, there is no limit on the number of challenges a competitor can initiate.
Practical Application
A recent example took place in a recent tournament recently, where Daniil Medvedev used the review system against his opponent.
The British player admitted it was a tough situation for the official, but believed his rival had "used the regulations effectively."
The umpire viewed a replay and ruled Draper was guilty of interference, granting the point to Medvedev.
Broader Adoption
This technology aren't new for Grand Slams. The system has been in use at the US Open for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the ATP circuit will have video reviews implemented at every one of its tournaments.
Additional Innovations
Another change at Wimbledon this year involves the addition of visual indicators on displays to support the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This solves instances where fans have occasionally been uncertain if a ball was in or out.
Finally, with exactly a century of days to go until the beginning of the tournament, organizers have also announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
