The tournament joins the US and Aussie Opens in implementing replay systems.
Video review technology are set to arrive at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Players will gain the right to challenge specific rulings from the official, mirroring the practice already in place at each of the US Open and the Aussie major.
This innovation will be accessible on the main stadium and Court One throughout the Championships and on the other four show courts when they are staging singles matches.
This move comes just a season following the All England Club implemented ELC, which terminated the 147-year tradition of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors will not be permitted to dispute the call of the ELC system, but they can ask for the official to review specific decisions, such as:
- If a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot touched an opponent's racquet or body during play.
- Possible interference at the conclusion of a point.
Importantly, there will be an unlimited number on the number of reviews a competitor can request.
A Recent Example
A recent incident took place in a recent tournament recently, where a top player initiated the review system against his opponent.
The British player admitted it was a difficult call for the umpire, but thought his opponent had "played the rules effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a replay and determined Draper was responsible for interference, granting the point to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
Video reviews aren't new for major tournaments. It has been in use at the US Open for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the ATP circuit will have video reviews in place at every one of its tournaments.
Further Updates
A further innovation at Wimbledon this year involves the addition of graphical cues on scoreboards to complement the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses situations where the crowd have occasionally been unsure if a shot was out or in.
Finally, with precisely 100 days remaining until the start of the tournament, the AELTC have further announced an increase in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
