Wimbledon will follow the American and Australian Opens in utilizing replay technology.
Video review technology will be launched at Wimbledon this year.
Athletes will gain the right to challenge particular calls made by the chair umpire, following the system already in use at each of the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
This innovation will be operational on Centre Court and Court One throughout the tournament and on the remaining featured courts when they are staging singles matches.
This move arrives only a season following the All England Club rolled out ELC, which effectively ended the centuries-old role of line judges.
Reviewable Decisions
Competitors cannot to dispute the call of the ELC system, but are allowed to ask for the official to review other situations, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a ball made contact with an rival's racket or person on the way past.
- Potential hindrance end of a point.
Importantly, there is an unlimited number on the amount of reviews a competitor can request.
A Recent Example
An illustrative case took place in a recent tournament last week, where a top player initiated the review system against his opponent.
The British player admitted it was a tough situation for the umpire, but believed his opponent had "used the regulations effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a video and ruled the player was responsible for hindrance, awarding the point to his opponent.
Growing Trend
This technology are not new for Grand Slams. It was adopted at the American major for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the men's ATP Tour will have the system implemented at all of its events.
Additional Innovations
Another change at The Championships this year will be the introduction of visual indicators on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This solves situations where the crowd have occasionally been uncertain whether a shot was in or out.
Finally, with precisely a century of days remaining until the beginning of the Championships, the AELTC have further announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
