Wimbledon will follow the US and Australian Opens in implementing replay systems.
Video review technology will make its debut at The Championships in the upcoming tournament.
Athletes will gain the right to question specific rulings from the official, mirroring the practice currently in operation at each of the US Open and the Aussie major.
The new system will be accessible on Centre Court and Court One for the duration of the tournament and on the remaining featured courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This development follows just a season following the AELTC introduced electronic line calling, which terminated the 147-year role of line judges.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Players cannot to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but they can ask for the official to review other decisions, such as:
- If a ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a ball touched an rival's racket or body during play.
- Possible interference at the conclusion of a rally.
Importantly, there will be no limit on the number of challenges a player can initiate.
A Recent Example
An illustrative example took place in Indian Wells recently, where a top player used the review system against Jack Draper.
The British player conceded it was a difficult call for the official, but thought his opponent had "used the regulations quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a replay and determined Draper was responsible for hindrance, granting the rally to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
This technology aren't exclusive to major tournaments. The system was adopted at the American major for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the ATP circuit will have video reviews implemented at every one of its tournaments.
Additional Innovations
Another innovation at Wimbledon this year will be the introduction of visual indicators on displays to support the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses situations where fans have sometimes been uncertain whether a shot was out or in.
In other news, with precisely a century of days to go until the beginning of the Championships, organizers have also revealed an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
