Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in employing video review systems.
Video review technology will make its debut at The Championships this year.
Players will gain the ability to contest particular decisions made by the chair umpire, echoing the protocol currently in operation at both the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
This innovation will be operational on the main stadium and the number one court throughout the Championships and on the other four featured courts when they are staging singles matches.
This move comes just a year after the AELTC introduced ELC, which terminated the centuries-old role of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Competitors cannot to dispute the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to ask for the official to review other decisions, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a ball touched an rival's racket or body during play.
- Potential interference end of a point.
Importantly, there will be no limit on the number of reviews a competitor can initiate.
Practical Application
An illustrative example occurred in Indian Wells last week, where Daniil Medvedev used the video challenge against his opponent.
The British player conceded it was a tough call for the official, but thought his rival had "played the rules effectively."
The umpire viewed a replay and ruled Draper was guilty of hindrance, granting the rally to his opponent.
Growing Trend
Video reviews are not exclusive to major tournaments. It has been in use at the US Open for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the ATP circuit will have video reviews implemented at all of its tournaments.
Other Changes
Another innovation at Wimbledon this year will be the introduction of graphical cues on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses situations where spectators have sometimes been unsure if a ball was in or out.
In other news, with precisely a century of days to go until the beginning of the tournament, organizers have further announced an increase in daily capacity at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
