Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in implementing video review technology.
Replay technology will be launched at The Championships this year.
Players will gain the right to challenge particular calls from the chair umpire, mirroring the practice already in place at each of the US Open and the Aussie major.
This technology is slated for use on Centre Court and the number one court throughout the tournament and on the other four featured courts when they are staging singles matches.
This move comes just a season following the AELTC introduced electronic line calling, which effectively ended the centuries-old role of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Players cannot to dispute the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to request the umpire to review other decisions, including:
- Whether a ball has bounced twice.
- If a shot made contact with an opponent's racquet or body during play.
- Potential interference end of a rally.
Notably, there will be an unlimited number on the amount of reviews a player can initiate.
Practical Application
A recent case occurred in Indian Wells last week, where a top player initiated the video challenge against Jack Draper.
Draper admitted it was a tough situation for the umpire, but thought his rival had "used the regulations effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a video and ruled Draper was responsible for interference, granting the rally to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
This technology aren't new for major tournaments. The system has been in use at the US Open for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by next season the men's ATP Tour will have the system in place at all of its events.
Additional Innovations
Another innovation at Wimbledon this year involves the addition of visual indicators on scoreboards to support the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This solves instances where the crowd have occasionally been uncertain if a ball was in or out.
In other news, with precisely a century of days to go until the start of the Championships, the AELTC have further revealed an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
