Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in utilizing replay systems.
Replay systems will be launched at Wimbledon this year.
Athletes will gain the option to contest particular decisions made by the official, mirroring the protocol currently in use at both the US Open and the Australian Open.
This innovation is slated for use on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the tournament and on the other four show courts when they are staging singles contests.
This development comes just a year after the All England Club implemented electronic line calling, which terminated the centuries-old tradition of line judges.
Reviewable Decisions
Players cannot to dispute the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to request the official to review specific decisions, such as:
- Whether a ball has double-bounced.
- If a ball made contact with an opponent's racquet or body during play.
- Possible interference at the conclusion of a point.
Notably, there is an unlimited number on the amount of challenges a player can initiate.
Practical Application
An illustrative case took place in a recent tournament recently, where Daniil Medvedev initiated the video challenge against his opponent.
Draper admitted it was a tough call for the official, but believed his opponent had "used the regulations effectively."
The umpire viewed a replay and ruled the player was responsible for interference, granting the point to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
This technology are not exclusive to Grand Slams. It was adopted at the American major for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by next season the men's ATP Tour will have the system in place at every one of its events.
Other Changes
A further innovation at Wimbledon this year will be the introduction of visual indicators on scoreboards to support the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This solves instances where fans have sometimes been uncertain if a shot was out or in.
In other news, with exactly 100 days to go until the beginning of the Championships, the AELTC have also revealed an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
