Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in employing replay systems.
Replay technology will be launched at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Athletes are granted the option to challenge particular rulings from the official, echoing the system already in use at both the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
This innovation is slated for use on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the other four featured courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This step comes just a season following the AELTC implemented ELC, which effectively ended the centuries-old role of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Competitors will not be permitted to dispute the accuracy of the ELC system, but they can ask for the official to re-examine other decisions, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a shot made contact with an rival's racket or person on the way past.
- Potential interference end of a rally.
Importantly, there will be no cap on the amount of challenges a competitor can ask for.
Case in Point
An illustrative case occurred in a recent tournament last week, where a top player used the review system against his opponent.
The British player conceded it was a difficult situation for the umpire, but thought his opponent had "used the regulations effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a video and ruled the player was guilty of interference, granting the point to Medvedev.
Wider Implementation
Video reviews aren't exclusive to major tournaments. It was adopted at the US Open for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the ATP circuit plans to have video reviews in place at every one of its events.
Additional Innovations
A further change at Wimbledon this year will be the introduction of graphical cues on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses instances where fans have occasionally been uncertain if a shot was in or out.
Finally, with exactly a century of days remaining until the start of the Championships, organizers have further revealed an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
