Wimbledon will follow the US and Australian Opens in implementing replay technology.
Video review systems will be launched at Wimbledon this year.
Players will gain the right to question certain decisions from the official, echoing the system already in operation at each of the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
This technology is slated for use on Centre Court and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the remaining featured courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This development comes just a year after the AELTC introduced electronic line calling, which effectively ended the centuries-old role of line officials.
Reviewable Decisions
Competitors cannot to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to request the official to re-examine other decisions, including:
- If a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a ball touched an opponent's racquet or person during play.
- Potential hindrance at the conclusion of a point.
Notably, there will be no cap on the number of reviews a competitor can request.
Case in Point
An illustrative incident took place in Indian Wells last week, where Daniil Medvedev used the review system against his opponent.
The British player admitted it was a difficult situation for the official, but believed his rival had "played the rules quite well."
The umpire watched a video and determined the player was guilty of hindrance, granting the point to Medvedev.
Growing Trend
Video reviews are not exclusive to major tournaments. It was adopted at the American major for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the ATP circuit will have video reviews in place at all of its tournaments.
Other Changes
Another change at Wimbledon this year will be the addition of graphical cues on scoreboards to support the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where the crowd have sometimes been unsure if a ball was out or in.
In other news, with precisely 100 days remaining until the start of the Championships, organizers have further announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
