Wimbledon will follow the US and Australian Opens in implementing video review technology.
Replay systems are set to arrive at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Athletes will gain the option to contest specific calls made by the chair umpire, following the system currently in place at each of the US Open and the Aussie major.
The new system will be accessible on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the tournament and on the other four show courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This step comes just a year after the AELTC rolled out ELC, which terminated the longstanding role of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors cannot to dispute the call of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to request the official to re-examine specific decisions, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a shot touched an opponent's racquet or person during play.
- Possible hindrance end of a rally.
Notably, there will be no limit on the number of reviews a player can request.
Practical Application
An illustrative example took place in Indian Wells last week, where Daniil Medvedev used the video challenge against his opponent.
The British player admitted it was a tough situation for the official, but thought his opponent had "used the regulations quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a video and ruled Draper was guilty of hindrance, granting the point to Medvedev.
Wider Implementation
This technology aren't new for major tournaments. It was adopted at the American major for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by next season the men's ATP Tour will have the system implemented at all of its events.
Further Updates
Another innovation at The Championships this year will be the introduction of graphical cues on scoreboards to support the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses instances where spectators have occasionally been unsure if a shot was out or in.
Finally, with exactly a century of days to go until the start of the Championships, organizers have further announced an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
