The tournament joins the US and Australian Opens in implementing video review systems.
Replay technology will make its debut at Wimbledon this year.
Competitors are granted the ability to contest specific decisions made by the official, following the protocol currently in place at both the US Open and the Aussie major.
This innovation is slated for use on Centre Court and the number one court throughout the Championships and on the remaining featured courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This move comes just a year after the All England Club implemented electronic line calling, which terminated the 147-year tradition of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors will not be permitted to challenge the call of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to ask for the official to review other situations, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a shot touched an opponent's racquet or person during play.
- Possible interference at the conclusion of a point.
Importantly, there will be an unlimited number on the amount of reviews a competitor can ask for.
Practical Application
An illustrative case occurred in Indian Wells last week, where Daniil Medvedev used the review system against Jack Draper.
Draper conceded it was a tough situation for the umpire, but believed his opponent had "played the rules effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a replay and ruled the player was guilty of hindrance, granting the point to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
Video reviews are not new for Grand Slams. It has been in use at the American major for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the men's ATP Tour will have video reviews in place at every one of its tournaments.
Further Updates
Another change at Wimbledon this year will be the addition of visual indicators on displays to complement the audio calls from the ELC system.
This solves instances where spectators have occasionally been uncertain if a shot was in or out.
Finally, with exactly a century of days remaining until the start of the tournament, the AELTC have also revealed an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
