Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in implementing replay systems.
Replay technology will make its debut at Wimbledon this year.
Competitors will gain the right to question particular decisions from the official, following the protocol already in use at both the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
This innovation is slated for use on Centre Court and the number one court for the duration of the tournament and on the other four show courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This move follows just a year after the AELTC rolled out ELC, which brought an end to the 147-year role of line officials.
Reviewable Decisions
Players cannot to challenge the accuracy of the ELC system, but they can ask for the umpire to re-examine other decisions, such as:
- Whether a ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a shot made contact with an rival's racket or person during play.
- Potential hindrance end of a rally.
Importantly, there is no cap on the number of reviews a competitor can initiate.
Case in Point
An illustrative case took place in a recent tournament last week, where a top player used the review system against Jack Draper.
Draper conceded it was a difficult call for the umpire, but thought his rival had "used the regulations quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a replay and determined Draper was guilty of hindrance, granting the rally to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
This technology aren't exclusive to Grand Slams. It has been in use at the American major for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the men's ATP Tour will have video reviews implemented at all of its events.
Other Changes
A further innovation at The Championships this year involves the introduction of graphical cues on scoreboards to support the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This solves instances where spectators have sometimes been uncertain whether a shot was in or out.
In other news, with precisely 100 days remaining until the beginning of the Championships, organizers have also announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
