The tournament joins the American and Australian Opens in utilizing replay systems.
Video review technology are set to arrive at The Championships in the upcoming tournament.
Athletes are granted the option to challenge specific rulings made by the chair umpire, echoing the practice currently in place at both the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
This technology is slated for use on the main stadium and the number one court throughout the tournament and on the remaining featured courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This move follows just a season following the AELTC implemented electronic line calling, which effectively ended the 147-year role of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Players will not be permitted to challenge the call of the ELC system, but they can request the official to review other decisions, including:
- Whether a ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot touched an opponent's racquet or body during play.
- Possible interference end of a point.
Notably, there is no limit on the amount of challenges a competitor can ask for.
Practical Application
An illustrative case occurred in a recent tournament recently, where a top player used the review system against his opponent.
Draper conceded it was a difficult call for the umpire, but thought his rival had "used the regulations quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a replay and ruled the player was responsible for interference, granting the rally to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
Video reviews aren't exclusive to Grand Slams. The system was adopted at the American major for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the men's ATP Tour will have the system implemented at all of its tournaments.
Additional Innovations
Another innovation at Wimbledon this year will be the addition of visual indicators on displays to support the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where the crowd have occasionally been uncertain if a ball was out or in.
Finally, with exactly 100 days remaining until the start of the Championships, the AELTC have also announced an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
