Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in implementing replay technology.
Replay systems will make its debut at Wimbledon this year.
Players will gain the option to question specific decisions from the official, echoing the protocol already in use at each of the US Open and the Australian Open.
This innovation will be operational on Centre Court and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the other four show courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This step arrives only a season following the All England Club rolled out ELC, which brought an end to the longstanding tradition of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Players will not be permitted to dispute the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to ask for the official to re-examine specific situations, including:
- If a ball has bounced twice.
- If a ball touched an rival's racket or person during play.
- Potential hindrance at the conclusion of a rally.
Importantly, there will be an unlimited number on the amount of challenges a player can ask for.
Practical Application
A recent case took place in Indian Wells last week, where a top player used the review system against his opponent.
The British player conceded it was a difficult call for the official, but believed his rival had "played the rules effectively."
The umpire viewed a video and ruled the player was guilty of interference, awarding the rally to Medvedev.
Growing Trend
Video reviews are not new for Grand Slams. The system has been in use at the US Open for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the men's ATP Tour will have the system implemented at every one of its events.
Other Changes
Another change at Wimbledon this year involves the introduction of graphical cues on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses situations where the crowd have sometimes been uncertain if a ball was out or in.
In other news, with precisely 100 days to go until the beginning of the tournament, the AELTC have further revealed an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
