Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in utilizing video review technology.
Video review technology will make its debut at The Championships in the upcoming tournament.
Competitors are granted the ability to challenge certain calls made by the chair umpire, mirroring the system currently in use at each of the US Open and the Aussie major.
This technology will be accessible on Centre Court and Court One throughout the tournament and on the other four featured courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This development comes just a season following the AELTC rolled out electronic line calling, which terminated the longstanding tradition of line judges.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Players will not be permitted to dispute the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to ask for the umpire to re-examine specific situations, including:
- If a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a ball touched an rival's racket or body on the way past.
- Possible interference end of a point.
Notably, there is no limit on the number of challenges a competitor can request.
Practical Application
A recent example occurred in Indian Wells last week, where a top player initiated the video challenge against Jack Draper.
The British player admitted it was a tough call for the official, but believed his rival had "played the rules quite well."
The umpire watched a replay and determined Draper was responsible for interference, awarding the rally to his opponent.
Growing Trend
This technology are not new for Grand Slams. It was adopted at the US Open for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by next season the ATP circuit will have the system in place at every one of its tournaments.
Further Updates
A further innovation at Wimbledon this year involves the addition of graphical cues on displays to support the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses situations where fans have sometimes been unsure if a ball was out or in.
Finally, with precisely 100 days to go until the start of the tournament, organizers have also announced an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
