The tournament joins the American and Aussie Opens in implementing replay systems.
Replay systems are set to arrive at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Competitors are granted the option to challenge specific calls made by the official, mirroring the practice already in use at both the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
The new system will be operational on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the tournament and on the remaining featured courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This step comes just a year after the AELTC implemented electronic line calling, which terminated the longstanding role of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors cannot to dispute the call of the electronic line calling, but they can ask for the official to review other decisions, including:
- If a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot made contact with an opponent's racquet or body during play.
- Possible interference end of a point.
Notably, there is no limit on the amount of challenges a competitor can initiate.
Practical Application
An illustrative incident occurred in Indian Wells last week, where a top player used the review system against Jack Draper.
Draper conceded it was a tough situation for the official, but believed his rival had "used the regulations quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a video and ruled the player was guilty of hindrance, awarding the point to his opponent.
Growing Trend
Video reviews aren't exclusive to Grand Slams. The system was adopted at the US Open for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, 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 all of its events.
Further Updates
A further innovation at Wimbledon this year involves the addition of visual indicators on displays to support the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This solves situations where the crowd have occasionally been uncertain if a shot was out or in.
In other news, with precisely 100 days to go until the start of the Championships, organizers have also announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
