Wimbledon will follow the American and Australian Opens in implementing replay technology.
Video review technology will be launched at Wimbledon this year.
Athletes will gain the option to question certain rulings from the chair umpire, following the system already in place at each of the US Open and the Australian Open.
This technology is slated for use on the main stadium and Court One for the duration of the Championships and on the other four featured courts when they are staging singles contests.
This step comes just a season following the AELTC implemented electronic line calling, which effectively ended the centuries-old tradition of line judges.
Reviewable Decisions
Competitors will not be permitted to dispute the call of the ELC system, but they can request the umpire to re-examine specific decisions, such as:
- If a ball has bounced twice.
- If a shot touched an rival's racket or body during play.
- Possible interference end of a rally.
Importantly, there will be no limit on the amount of reviews a player can initiate.
Case in Point
An illustrative case occurred in a recent tournament recently, where Daniil Medvedev initiated the video challenge against his opponent.
The British player admitted it was a tough situation for the umpire, but believed his rival had "played the rules quite well."
The umpire viewed a video and ruled Draper was responsible for interference, awarding the point to Medvedev.
Growing Trend
Video reviews aren't exclusive to Grand Slams. The system was adopted at the American major for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the ATP circuit plans to have the system implemented at all of its events.
Additional Innovations
A further change at Wimbledon this year involves the introduction of graphical cues on scoreboards to support the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses instances where fans have occasionally been unsure if a shot was out or in.
In other news, with precisely 100 days remaining until the beginning of the Championships, the AELTC have further revealed an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
