Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in utilizing video review technology.
Video review systems will be launched at The Championships this year.
Players are granted the ability to contest specific calls from the official, following the system already in use at each of the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
The new system will be operational on Centre Court and Court One for the duration of the Championships and on the other four featured courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This step comes just a year after the AELTC implemented electronic line calling, which brought an end to the longstanding role of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors cannot to dispute the call of the ELC system, but are allowed to ask for the official to re-examine other situations, including:
- If a ball has double-bounced.
- If a ball made contact with an rival's racket or body on the way past.
- Possible hindrance end of a rally.
Importantly, there will be no cap on the number of reviews a player can request.
Case in Point
A recent example took place in a recent tournament last week, where a top player used the video challenge against his opponent.
The British player conceded it was a difficult call for the umpire, but thought his rival had "used the regulations effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a replay and ruled the player was responsible for interference, granting the point to Medvedev.
Wider Implementation
Video reviews are not new for Grand Slams. It has been in use at the US Open for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the ATP circuit plans to have video reviews implemented at every one of its tournaments.
Additional Innovations
A further innovation at The Championships this year will be the addition of graphical cues on displays to complement the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This solves instances where fans have occasionally been uncertain if a shot was out or in.
Finally, with exactly 100 days to go until the beginning of the tournament, organizers have also revealed an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
