Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in implementing replay systems.
Video review technology will make its debut at The Championships in the upcoming tournament.
Athletes will gain the option to question particular decisions from the chair umpire, echoing the practice already in operation at each of the US Open and the Australian Open.
This technology is slated for use on Centre Court and the number one court throughout the tournament and on the remaining show courts when they are staging singles matches.
This step comes just a season following the All England Club implemented electronic line calling, which effectively ended the centuries-old tradition of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors will not be permitted to dispute the call of the ELC system, but are allowed to ask for the umpire to review other decisions, such as:
- If a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- If a shot touched an rival's racket or body on the way past.
- Possible interference end of a rally.
Importantly, there will be no limit on the number of challenges a competitor can request.
A Recent Example
An illustrative example took place in Indian Wells recently, where a top player used the video challenge against Jack Draper.
The British player admitted it was a difficult situation for the official, but thought his opponent had "used the regulations quite well."
The umpire viewed a replay and ruled the player was guilty of interference, awarding the rally to Medvedev.
Broader Adoption
Video reviews aren't new for Grand Slams. The system has been in use at the American major for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by next season the ATP circuit will have video reviews in place at every one of its tournaments.
Other Changes
A further change at Wimbledon this year involves the addition of visual indicators on scoreboards to complement the audio calls from the ELC system.
This addresses situations where fans have sometimes been unsure if a ball was out or in.
Finally, with precisely 100 days remaining until the beginning of the Championships, the AELTC have also revealed an increase in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
