Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in employing video review technology.
Video review systems will make its debut at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Players are granted the ability to challenge certain decisions made by the chair umpire, mirroring the protocol currently in use at each of the US Open and the Australian Open.
This innovation will be operational on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the remaining show courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This development follows just a season following the AELTC rolled out electronic line calling, which terminated the 147-year tradition of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors cannot to challenge the accuracy of the ELC system, but they can ask for the official to re-examine other decisions, such as:
- If a ball has double-bounced.
- If a ball made contact with an rival's racket or body on the way past.
- Possible interference at the conclusion of a rally.
Notably, there is no limit on the number of challenges a player can ask for.
A Recent Example
A recent case occurred in a recent tournament recently, where a top player used the review system against his opponent.
The British player admitted it was a tough situation for the umpire, but believed his rival had "used the regulations effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a replay and ruled the player was responsible for interference, granting the point to Medvedev.
Wider Implementation
This technology aren't exclusive to major tournaments. 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 WTA circuit, and by the coming year the men's ATP Tour will have the system implemented at all of its tournaments.
Additional Innovations
A further innovation at The Championships this year involves the addition of visual indicators on scoreboards to support the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses instances where fans have sometimes been unsure whether a shot was out or in.
In other news, with exactly a century of days to go until the start of the Championships, the AELTC have also announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
