Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in implementing video review technology.
Replay systems are set to arrive at Wimbledon this year.
Athletes will gain the ability to contest specific calls from the official, mirroring the system already in use at both the US Open and the Aussie major.
The new system is slated for use on the main stadium and Court One throughout the tournament and on the remaining featured courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This development follows just a season following the All England Club implemented electronic line calling, which terminated the centuries-old tradition of line judges.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Competitors cannot to dispute the call of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to request the official to review specific decisions, such as:
- Whether a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- If a shot made contact with an rival's racket or person on the way past.
- Potential hindrance at the conclusion of a rally.
Notably, there will be no limit on the number of reviews a competitor can ask for.
Case in Point
A recent example took place in Indian Wells recently, where Daniil Medvedev used the video challenge against Jack Draper.
Draper conceded it was a tough call for the umpire, but thought his rival had "used the regulations quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a video and ruled the player was guilty of hindrance, awarding the rally to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
This technology aren't exclusive to Grand Slams. The system was adopted at the US Open 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 will have video reviews in place at all of its events.
Other Changes
A further innovation at The Championships this year will be the addition of visual indicators on displays to support the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses situations where spectators have occasionally been unsure if a shot was out or in.
In other news, with exactly 100 days remaining until the start of the Championships, the AELTC have further announced an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
