The tournament joins the US and Australian Opens in implementing replay systems.
Video review systems are set to arrive at Wimbledon this year.
Competitors are granted the right to contest specific decisions from the chair umpire, following the protocol already in operation at each of the US Open and the Aussie major.
This innovation is slated for use on the main stadium and Court One for the duration of the tournament and on the other four featured courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This development follows just a year after the AELTC implemented electronic line calling, which terminated the 147-year tradition of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but they can request the umpire to review other situations, such as:
- If a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a ball made contact with an opponent's racquet or person during play.
- Possible interference end of a rally.
Notably, there will be an unlimited number on the amount of reviews a player can initiate.
A Recent Example
A recent incident occurred in Indian Wells recently, where Daniil Medvedev initiated the review system against Jack Draper.
The British player conceded it was a tough situation for the official, but believed his rival had "played the rules effectively."
The umpire watched a replay and determined the player was guilty of interference, granting the point to Medvedev.
Broader Adoption
Video reviews aren't exclusive to major tournaments. The system was adopted at the US Open for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the ATP circuit will have the system in place at every one of its events.
Additional Innovations
Another change at Wimbledon this year will be the introduction of visual indicators on displays to complement the audio calls from the ELC system.
This addresses situations where spectators have occasionally been unsure whether a ball was out or in.
In other news, with exactly a century of days remaining until the beginning of the Championships, the AELTC have further announced an increase in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
