Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in implementing video review systems.
Video review technology will make its debut at The Championships in the upcoming tournament.
Competitors are granted the ability to challenge specific rulings made by the official, mirroring the system already in operation at both the US Open and the Australian Open.
This innovation will be operational on Centre Court and the number one court for the duration of the tournament and on the remaining show courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This move comes just a year after the AELTC introduced electronic line calling, which effectively ended the 147-year tradition of line judges.
Reviewable Decisions
Competitors will not be permitted to dispute the call of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to ask for the umpire to re-examine other situations, including:
- Whether a ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a shot made contact with an opponent's racquet or person on the way past.
- Possible interference end of a point.
Importantly, there is an unlimited number on the number of challenges a competitor can ask for.
A Recent Example
A recent example occurred in a recent tournament last week, where Daniil Medvedev initiated the video challenge against his opponent.
Draper conceded it was a tough call for the official, but believed his opponent had "used the regulations effectively."
The umpire watched a video and ruled the player was guilty of hindrance, awarding the point to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
Video reviews aren't exclusive to major tournaments. It was adopted at the American major for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by next season the men's ATP Tour plans to have video reviews implemented at all of its events.
Other Changes
Another change at Wimbledon this year involves the introduction of graphical cues on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses situations where fans have occasionally been unsure whether a shot was in or out.
In other news, with precisely 100 days remaining until the start of the tournament, the AELTC have further revealed an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
