Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in implementing replay systems.
Video review technology will make its debut at Wimbledon this year.
Players will gain the option to contest specific calls made by the chair umpire, following the practice already in operation at each of the US Open and the Australian Open.
This technology will be accessible on Centre Court and Court One for the duration of the Championships and on the other four show courts when they are staging singles contests.
This step comes just a season following the All England Club introduced ELC, which effectively ended the longstanding role of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Players cannot to dispute the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but they can ask for the official to review specific decisions, including:
- If a ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot touched an opponent's racquet or person on the way past.
- Possible hindrance at the conclusion of a rally.
Importantly, there is an unlimited number on the amount of challenges a competitor can request.
Practical Application
A recent incident took place in Indian Wells recently, where a top player used the video challenge against his opponent.
Draper conceded it was a difficult situation for the official, but believed his rival had "played the rules effectively."
The umpire viewed a video and ruled Draper was guilty of interference, awarding the rally to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
This technology aren't new for Grand Slams. The system was adopted at the American major for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the ATP circuit will have video reviews implemented at every one of its events.
Further Updates
Another change at Wimbledon this year will be the addition of visual indicators on scoreboards to complement the audio calls from the ELC system.
This addresses situations where the crowd have sometimes been unsure if a ball was out or in.
Finally, with precisely a century of days to go until the beginning of the Championships, the AELTC have further announced an increase in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
