Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in implementing video review systems.
Video review technology are set to arrive at The Championships in the upcoming tournament.
Competitors are granted the ability to challenge particular calls made by the chair umpire, echoing the system currently in place at each of the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
The new system will be accessible on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the other four featured courts when they are staging singles contests.
This step arrives only a year after the All England Club implemented ELC, which brought an end to the 147-year tradition of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors cannot to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to ask for the umpire to review specific situations, including:
- If a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a ball touched an opponent's racquet or body on the way past.
- Potential hindrance at the conclusion of a point.
Importantly, there is no limit on the amount of challenges a competitor can request.
Practical Application
A recent case took place in a recent tournament recently, where a top player initiated the video challenge against his opponent.
Draper conceded it was a difficult situation for the official, but thought his opponent had "played the rules effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a video and determined the player was guilty of hindrance, granting the rally to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
This technology are not new for Grand Slams. The system was adopted at the American major for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the ATP circuit plans to have video reviews implemented at every one of its events.
Further Updates
Another change at Wimbledon this year will be the introduction of graphical cues on scoreboards to support the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses instances where spectators have occasionally been uncertain if a shot was out or in.
Finally, with exactly 100 days remaining until the start of the Championships, the AELTC have further announced an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
