Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in implementing video review systems.
Replay technology will make its debut at The Championships in the upcoming tournament.
Competitors will gain the option to challenge particular calls made by the official, following the protocol already in use at both the US Open and the Aussie major.
The new system is slated for use 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 staging singles matches.
This move arrives only a year after the AELTC implemented ELC, which terminated the 147-year role of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Competitors will not be permitted to dispute the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but they can request the umpire to re-examine specific situations, such as:
- If a ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a ball made contact with an rival's racket or body during play.
- Potential interference end of a rally.
Importantly, there is an unlimited number on the amount of reviews a player can initiate.
A Recent Example
A recent case took place in a recent tournament recently, where a top player used the review system against Jack Draper.
Draper admitted it was a tough call for the umpire, but believed his rival had "played the rules quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a replay and ruled the player was guilty of hindrance, granting the rally to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
Video reviews are not new for major tournaments. The system was adopted at the US Open for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by next season the ATP circuit will have the system implemented at every one of its events.
Other Changes
Another innovation at Wimbledon this year involves the introduction of visual indicators on scoreboards to support the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses situations where fans have sometimes been uncertain if a ball was out or in.
Finally, with exactly 100 days to go until the beginning of the Championships, organizers have further announced an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
