Wimbledon will follow the American and Australian Opens in implementing video review systems.
Video review technology will be launched at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Players are granted the ability to challenge specific decisions from the chair umpire, following the protocol already in operation at both the US Open and the Australian Open.
This innovation will be operational on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the remaining featured courts when they are staging singles contests.
This move arrives only a season following the All England Club implemented ELC, which brought an end to the centuries-old role of line judges.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Competitors cannot to challenge the call of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to ask for the umpire to review specific decisions, such as:
- If a ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a ball touched an opponent's racquet or body during play.
- Potential interference at the conclusion of a point.
Importantly, there is an unlimited number on the amount of challenges a player can request.
A Recent Example
A recent incident occurred in a recent tournament recently, where a top player initiated the review system against his opponent.
Draper conceded it was a difficult situation for the umpire, but thought his rival had "played the rules effectively."
The umpire watched a replay and determined Draper was responsible for hindrance, granting the point to Medvedev.
Growing Trend
Video reviews are not new for major tournaments. It has been in use at the American major for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the ATP circuit plans to have the system implemented at every one of its tournaments.
Other Changes
Another change at Wimbledon this year involves the introduction of visual indicators on scoreboards to complement the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses instances where fans have occasionally been uncertain whether a shot was out or in.
Finally, with precisely 100 days to go until the start of the Championships, organizers have also revealed an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
