Wimbledon will follow the US and Australian Opens in utilizing video review systems.
Video review systems will make its debut at Wimbledon this year.
Athletes will gain the option to contest specific calls made by the chair umpire, following the practice already in place at each of the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
This innovation is slated for use on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the tournament and on the remaining featured courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This move arrives only a year after the All England Club implemented ELC, which brought an end to the centuries-old role of line judges.
Reviewable Decisions
Competitors will not be permitted to dispute the accuracy of the ELC system, but they can request the umpire to review specific situations, such as:
- Whether a ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot touched an rival's racket or body during play.
- Possible interference at the conclusion of a point.
Notably, there will be no limit on the number of reviews a competitor can request.
A Recent Example
An illustrative case took place in Indian Wells recently, where a top player initiated the video challenge against Jack Draper.
Draper conceded it was a difficult call for the umpire, but thought his opponent had "used the regulations quite well."
The umpire viewed a replay and ruled the player was guilty of interference, granting the rally to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
Video reviews aren't new for major tournaments. The system was adopted at the American major for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by next season the ATP circuit plans to have the system in place at all of its tournaments.
Additional Innovations
Another change at The Championships this year will be the addition of graphical cues on displays to support the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses situations where fans have sometimes been uncertain whether a ball was out or in.
Finally, with precisely 100 days to go until the start of the Championships, the AELTC have also announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
