Wimbledon will follow the US and Australian Opens in employing video review technology.
Video review systems will make its debut at The Championships this year.
Competitors are granted the right to question certain decisions from the official, echoing the protocol already in operation at each of the US Open and the Aussie major.
This innovation is slated for use on Centre Court and the number one court for the duration of the tournament and on the other four show courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This move comes just a year after the AELTC implemented electronic line calling, which brought an end to the longstanding tradition of line judges.
Reviewable Decisions
Competitors cannot to challenge the accuracy of the ELC system, but they can ask for the official to review specific decisions, including:
- If a ball has bounced twice.
- If a shot made contact with an opponent's racquet or person on the way past.
- Possible interference end of a rally.
Notably, there is an unlimited number on the amount of challenges a competitor can ask for.
Practical Application
An illustrative case took place in a recent tournament last week, where a top player initiated the review system against his opponent.
Draper conceded it was a tough situation for the umpire, but thought his rival had "used the regulations quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a replay and determined Draper was guilty of hindrance, granting the rally to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
Video reviews aren't new for Grand Slams. It has been in use at the American major for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the ATP circuit plans to have the system implemented at every one of its tournaments.
Further Updates
A further innovation at Wimbledon this year involves the introduction of visual indicators on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses instances where the crowd have occasionally been uncertain whether a ball was out or in.
Finally, with precisely a century of days remaining until the start of the tournament, the AELTC have further revealed an increase in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
