Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in utilizing video review technology.
Video review systems will make its debut at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Competitors are granted the option to question certain calls made by the chair umpire, following the protocol already in place at each of the US Open and the Australian Open.
The new system is slated for use on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the tournament and on the other four featured courts when they are staging singles contests.
This development comes just a season following the AELTC implemented electronic line calling, which brought an end to the 147-year tradition of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Players cannot to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but they can ask for the umpire to re-examine specific decisions, including:
- If a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a ball made contact with an opponent's racquet or person during play.
- Possible interference at the conclusion of a point.
Importantly, there is an unlimited number on the amount of challenges a player can request.
A Recent Example
A recent example took place in Indian Wells recently, where a top player used the review system against Jack Draper.
Draper admitted it was a tough call for the umpire, but believed his opponent had "played the rules effectively."
The umpire watched a video and determined the player was responsible for hindrance, awarding the point to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
This technology aren't exclusive to Grand Slams. It has been in use at the US Open for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by next season the ATP circuit will have video reviews in place at every one of its tournaments.
Additional Innovations
A further change at Wimbledon this year will be the introduction of graphical cues on displays to complement the audio calls from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where spectators have occasionally been unsure whether a shot was in or out.
Finally, with exactly a century of days to go until the beginning of the Championships, organizers have further revealed an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
