Wimbledon will follow the US and Australian Opens in implementing video review technology.
Video review technology will make its debut at Wimbledon this year.
Athletes will gain the ability to contest certain rulings from the official, following the system already in operation at each of the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
The new system is slated for use on the main stadium and Court One throughout the tournament and on the other four show courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This move comes just a season following the All England Club rolled out electronic line calling, which brought an end to the longstanding role 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 re-examine specific situations, such as:
- Whether a ball has bounced twice.
- If a ball made contact with an opponent's racquet or person on the way past.
- Potential interference end of a rally.
Notably, there will be no limit on the number of challenges a competitor can request.
Practical Application
A recent incident took place in Indian Wells last week, where a top player initiated the review system against Jack Draper.
Draper admitted it was a tough call for the official, but believed his opponent had "used the regulations effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a video and ruled the player was guilty of interference, granting the rally to his opponent.
Growing Trend
Video reviews aren't exclusive to Grand Slams. It 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 men's ATP Tour will have video reviews implemented at every one of its tournaments.
Further Updates
Another innovation at Wimbledon this year involves the introduction of graphical cues on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where the crowd have occasionally been uncertain whether a shot was out or in.
In other news, with exactly a century of days to go until the start of the Championships, organizers have further announced an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
