Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in utilizing video review systems.
Video review systems are set to arrive at The Championships this year.
Competitors will gain the right to contest certain rulings made by the chair umpire, following the protocol already in operation at each of the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
This technology will be accessible on Centre Court and Court One for the duration of the tournament and on the remaining show courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This move comes just a year after the AELTC introduced ELC, which terminated the 147-year tradition of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Players will not be permitted to challenge the call of the ELC system, but are allowed to request the umpire to re-examine other decisions, including:
- If a ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a shot made contact with an opponent's racquet or body on the way past.
- Possible interference at the conclusion of a rally.
Notably, there is no limit on the number of challenges a competitor can request.
Case in Point
A recent incident occurred in Indian Wells recently, where a top player used the review system against Jack Draper.
The British player conceded it was a difficult situation for the umpire, but thought his rival had "played the rules effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a video and ruled Draper was responsible for hindrance, awarding the point to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
Video reviews aren't exclusive to major tournaments. The system was adopted at the American major for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the ATP circuit plans to have video reviews implemented at every one of its tournaments.
Additional Innovations
Another innovation at Wimbledon this year involves the addition of visual indicators on scoreboards to support the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This solves instances where spectators have sometimes been uncertain whether a shot was in or out.
Finally, with exactly 100 days to go until the start of the tournament, the AELTC have also revealed an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
