Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in utilizing video review technology.
Replay systems are set to arrive at The Championships this year.
Competitors will gain the option to challenge certain rulings from the chair umpire, mirroring the protocol currently in operation at both the US Open and the Australian Open.
The new system will be accessible on the main stadium and Court One throughout the Championships and on the other four show courts when they are staging singles matches.
This step follows just a season following the All England Club rolled out ELC, which effectively ended the 147-year role of line judges.
Reviewable Decisions
Players will not be permitted to challenge the call of the ELC system, but they can ask for the umpire to review specific situations, such as:
- If a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot made contact with an opponent's racquet or person during play.
- Potential interference end of a rally.
Importantly, there will be an unlimited number on the amount of challenges a competitor can request.
Case in Point
An illustrative example occurred in Indian Wells last week, where Daniil Medvedev initiated the review system against Jack Draper.
The British player admitted it was a tough situation for the umpire, but believed his opponent had "played the rules effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a replay and ruled Draper was responsible for interference, granting the point to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
This technology aren't new for Grand Slams. The system has been in use at the American major for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by next season the men's ATP Tour plans to have the system in place at every one of its events.
Additional Innovations
A further change at Wimbledon this year will be the addition of graphical cues on displays to complement the audio calls from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where fans have occasionally been uncertain if a shot was in or out.
In other news, with precisely 100 days to go until the beginning of the tournament, organizers have also announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
