Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in implementing replay technology.
Replay technology are set to arrive at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Competitors are granted the option to question certain rulings from the chair umpire, following the protocol already in use at both the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
This technology is slated for use on Centre Court and the number one court for the duration of the tournament and on the other four featured courts when they are staging singles matches.
This move arrives only a season following the AELTC implemented electronic line calling, which brought an end to the centuries-old role of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but they can request the umpire to review specific situations, such as:
- Whether a ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a shot made contact with an opponent's racquet or body during play.
- Potential hindrance at the conclusion of a rally.
Notably, there will be no limit on the number of challenges a competitor can ask for.
Case in Point
A recent example occurred in Indian Wells recently, where Daniil Medvedev initiated the review system against his opponent.
The British player conceded it was a tough situation for the umpire, but thought his opponent had "played the rules effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a video and determined Draper was responsible for interference, awarding the rally to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
This technology are not exclusive to major tournaments. It has been in use at the US Open for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by next season the men's ATP Tour will have video reviews implemented at all of its tournaments.
Additional Innovations
Another change at The Championships this year will be the addition of visual indicators on scoreboards to support the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This solves situations where the crowd have occasionally been uncertain whether a ball was out or in.
In other news, with precisely 100 days remaining until the beginning of the tournament, the AELTC have also announced an increase in daily capacity at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
