The tournament joins the US and Australian Opens in implementing video review technology.
Video review technology will make its debut at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Athletes are granted the right to challenge particular calls made by the chair umpire, echoing the practice currently in place at both the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
This technology will be accessible on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the tournament and on the other four featured courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This step follows just a season following the AELTC implemented ELC, which effectively ended the centuries-old tradition of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors will not be permitted to dispute the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to request the official to review other decisions, such as:
- If a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a ball made contact with an opponent's racquet or person on the way past.
- Possible interference at the conclusion of a rally.
Importantly, there is no limit on the number of challenges a competitor can request.
Case in Point
A recent example occurred in Indian Wells recently, where Daniil Medvedev initiated the video challenge against his opponent.
The British player conceded it was a difficult situation for the umpire, but believed his rival had "used the regulations effectively."
The umpire viewed a video and determined the player was responsible for interference, granting the rally to his opponent.
Growing Trend
Video reviews are not exclusive to Grand Slams. The system has been in use at the American major for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the ATP circuit will have the system in place at every one of its events.
Further Updates
A further innovation at Wimbledon this year will be the introduction of visual indicators on displays to support the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses situations where the crowd have occasionally been unsure if a shot was in or out.
Finally, with exactly a century of days to go until the beginning of the Championships, the AELTC have further announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
