Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in implementing replay systems.
Video review systems will make its debut at The Championships in the upcoming tournament.
Athletes will gain the ability to contest specific calls made by the official, mirroring the practice currently in operation at both the US Open and the Australian Open.
This technology will be operational on the main stadium and the number one court throughout the Championships and on the other four show courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This move comes just a season following the All England Club implemented ELC, which effectively ended the 147-year role of line judges.
Reviewable Decisions
Players cannot to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to request the official to review other decisions, such as:
- If a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a ball made contact with an opponent's racquet or person during play.
- Potential interference at the conclusion of a rally.
Notably, there is an unlimited number on the number of challenges a player can initiate.
A Recent Example
An illustrative incident occurred in Indian Wells last week, where Daniil Medvedev used the video challenge against Jack Draper.
Draper admitted it was a tough situation for the official, but thought his opponent had "used the regulations quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a video and ruled the player was guilty of hindrance, granting the rally to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
This technology aren't new for major tournaments. The system has been in use at the US Open for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the men's ATP Tour plans to have the system in place at every one of its events.
Further Updates
A further innovation at The Championships this year involves the introduction of visual indicators on displays to support the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This solves instances where fans have occasionally been uncertain whether a shot was in or out.
In other news, with precisely 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.
