Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in implementing replay systems.
Replay technology are set to arrive at Wimbledon this year.
Athletes will gain the right to question certain rulings from the official, mirroring the system currently in place at each of the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
This technology will be accessible on Centre Court and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the other four show courts when they are staging singles contests.
This move follows just a season following the AELTC introduced ELC, which terminated the longstanding role of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Players cannot to dispute the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but they can ask for the umpire to review other situations, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a ball made contact with an opponent's racquet or body on the way past.
- Potential hindrance at the conclusion of a rally.
Importantly, there is an unlimited number on the number of challenges a competitor can initiate.
Case in Point
An illustrative incident took place in Indian Wells recently, where Daniil Medvedev used the review system against his opponent.
Draper conceded it was a tough situation for the umpire, but thought his rival had "used the regulations quite well."
The umpire watched a replay and determined the player was guilty of interference, awarding the point to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
This technology are not exclusive to Grand Slams. The system has been in use at the US Open for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by next season the ATP circuit plans to have video reviews implemented at every one of its events.
Further Updates
Another innovation at The Championships this year will be the addition of graphical cues on displays to complement the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This solves instances where fans have sometimes been unsure whether a shot was in or out.
In other news, with exactly 100 days to go until the start of the tournament, the AELTC have also revealed an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
