Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in utilizing replay technology.
Video review systems will make its debut at Wimbledon this year.
Competitors are granted the option to challenge particular rulings from the official, mirroring the system already in operation at both the US Open and the Australian Open.
The new system will be accessible on Centre Court and the number one court throughout the Championships and on the remaining show courts when they are staging singles matches.
This step arrives only a year after the AELTC introduced electronic line calling, which effectively ended the centuries-old role of line judges.
Reviewable Decisions
Players will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the ELC system, but they can request the umpire to re-examine specific situations, including:
- Whether a ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a ball made contact with an rival's racket or body during play.
- Possible hindrance end of a rally.
Notably, there is an unlimited number on the number of challenges a competitor can initiate.
Case in Point
An illustrative case occurred in Indian Wells last week, where a top player used the video challenge against Jack Draper.
The British player admitted it was a difficult situation for the umpire, but believed his rival had "played the rules effectively."
The umpire viewed a video and ruled Draper was guilty of hindrance, granting the rally to Medvedev.
Wider Implementation
Video reviews aren't new for Grand Slams. The system 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 the coming year the ATP circuit will have video reviews implemented at all of its events.
Further Updates
A further innovation at Wimbledon this year involves the introduction of graphical cues on scoreboards to support the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This solves instances where the crowd have sometimes been uncertain whether a shot was out or in.
In other news, with exactly a century of days to go until the beginning of the Championships, organizers have further announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
