Wimbledon will follow the American and Australian Opens in utilizing video review systems.
Video review technology will be launched at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Athletes will gain the option to contest specific rulings made by the chair umpire, following the practice already in operation at both the US Open and the Aussie major.
This technology is slated for use on Centre Court and the number one court for the duration of the tournament and on the remaining show courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This development follows just a season following the All England Club implemented ELC, which terminated the 147-year role of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors cannot to dispute the accuracy of the ELC system, but they can ask for the official to review other decisions, such as:
- Whether a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a ball touched an opponent's racquet or person during play.
- Possible hindrance end of a point.
Notably, there will be an unlimited number on the number of reviews a competitor can ask for.
A Recent Example
A recent case occurred in Indian Wells last week, where a top player used the review system against his opponent.
Draper conceded it was a tough call for the official, but believed his rival had "played the rules effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a replay and determined the player was guilty of hindrance, awarding the point to Medvedev.
Growing Trend
Video reviews are not new for major tournaments. The system has been in use 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 ATP circuit plans to have video reviews implemented at every one of its events.
Other Changes
A further change at The Championships this year involves the introduction of visual indicators on displays to complement the audio calls from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where the crowd have sometimes been uncertain if a ball was out or in.
In other news, with exactly a century of days remaining until the beginning of the Championships, organizers have further announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
