Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in employing video review systems.
Video review technology will make its debut at Wimbledon this year.
Players will gain the right to question specific rulings made by the chair umpire, mirroring the protocol already in operation at each of the US Open and the Aussie major.
The new system will be accessible on the main stadium and Court One throughout the tournament and on the remaining show courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This move arrives only a season following the AELTC introduced electronic line calling, which terminated the centuries-old role of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Players will not be permitted to dispute the call of the ELC system, but they can ask for the umpire to re-examine specific decisions, such as:
- Whether a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot made contact with an opponent's racquet or body during play.
- Possible hindrance at the conclusion of a point.
Importantly, there is no cap on the amount of reviews a player can request.
Case in Point
A recent case occurred in Indian Wells recently, where Daniil Medvedev used the video challenge against his opponent.
Draper conceded it was a difficult situation for the official, but thought his rival had "played the rules quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a video and ruled the player was guilty of interference, granting the point to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
This technology are not new for Grand Slams. The system has been in use at the American major for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the men's ATP Tour will have the system in place at all of its tournaments.
Further Updates
Another change at Wimbledon this year will be the addition of visual indicators on scoreboards to support the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses situations where spectators have sometimes been unsure whether a shot was out or in.
In other news, with exactly 100 days to go until the start of the Championships, organizers have further announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
