Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in utilizing video review technology.
Video review systems are set to arrive at The Championships this year.
Athletes will gain the option to contest specific rulings made by the official, mirroring the system currently in use at both the US Open and the Australian Open.
The new system is slated for use on the main stadium and the number one court throughout the Championships and on the remaining featured courts when they are staging singles matches.
This move comes just a season following the AELTC implemented ELC, which effectively ended the 147-year role of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors cannot to dispute the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to request the official to re-examine specific decisions, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a ball touched an opponent's racquet or body on the way past.
- Possible interference end of a rally.
Notably, there will be an unlimited number on the number of reviews a player can initiate.
Practical Application
A recent incident occurred in Indian Wells last week, where a top player initiated the video challenge against Jack Draper.
The British player admitted it was a tough call for the official, but believed his opponent had "played the rules quite well."
The umpire watched a replay and determined the player was guilty of interference, awarding the point to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
Video reviews aren't exclusive to Grand Slams. The system has been in use at the US Open for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by next season the men's ATP Tour will have video reviews in place at every one of its tournaments.
Further Updates
A further change at Wimbledon this year involves the addition of graphical cues on scoreboards to support the audio calls from the ELC system.
This addresses situations where spectators have sometimes been uncertain if a shot was out or in.
Finally, with precisely 100 days to go until the start of the Championships, organizers have also announced an increase in daily capacity at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
