Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in utilizing video review technology.
Video review systems will make its debut at The Championships in the upcoming tournament.
Athletes are granted the right to question particular calls made by the official, mirroring the protocol already in place at each of the US Open and the Australian Open.
This technology will be accessible on the main stadium and the number one court throughout the Championships and on the remaining featured courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This move arrives only a season following the All England Club implemented ELC, which terminated the 147-year tradition of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors will not be permitted to dispute the call of the ELC system, but are allowed to ask for the umpire to review other decisions, such as:
- Whether a ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot touched an rival's racket or body during play.
- Potential interference end of a rally.
Importantly, there is no cap on the amount of challenges a competitor can initiate.
Case in Point
A recent example took place in Indian Wells last week, where a top player used the video challenge against Jack Draper.
Draper conceded it was a tough situation for the official, but believed his opponent had "used the regulations quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a replay and determined Draper was responsible for interference, awarding the point to Medvedev.
Wider Implementation
Video reviews aren't exclusive to Grand Slams. The system has been in use 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 the system in place at all of its events.
Additional Innovations
A further change at The Championships this year will be the introduction of visual indicators on scoreboards to support the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This solves instances where spectators have sometimes been uncertain if a ball was in or out.
Finally, with exactly 100 days to go until the beginning of the Championships, the AELTC have further announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
