Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in implementing replay systems.
Video review systems will make its debut at The Championships in the upcoming tournament.
Athletes are granted the option to question certain calls from the chair umpire, following the system currently in operation at both the US Open and the Aussie major.
The new system is slated for use on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the tournament and on the other four featured courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This step follows just a year after the All England Club introduced electronic line calling, which effectively ended the 147-year role of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors will not be permitted to challenge the call of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to ask for the official to re-examine specific decisions, such as:
- Whether a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a shot made contact with an opponent's racquet or body on the way past.
- Possible interference end of a point.
Importantly, there is an unlimited number on the amount of challenges a competitor can request.
Practical Application
A recent case occurred in a recent tournament recently, where a top player used the review system against Jack Draper.
Draper admitted it was a tough call for the official, but thought his opponent had "used the regulations quite well."
The umpire watched a replay and determined Draper was responsible for interference, awarding the point to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
This technology aren't new for Grand Slams. It has been in use at the US Open for two years and the Aussie 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 all of its events.
Additional Innovations
A further change at Wimbledon this year involves the introduction of graphical cues on scoreboards to support the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This solves situations where fans have sometimes been uncertain whether a shot was out or in.
Finally, with exactly 100 days to go until the beginning of the Championships, the AELTC have further revealed an increase in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
