The tournament joins the US and Aussie Opens in employing video review systems.
Video review systems will be launched at The Championships in the upcoming tournament.
Competitors will gain the option to contest certain rulings made by the chair umpire, following the protocol already in operation at each of the US Open and the Aussie major.
This technology is slated for use on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the remaining featured courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This move follows just a season following the All England Club introduced ELC, which brought an end to the 147-year role of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Players cannot to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to request the umpire to review specific situations, including:
- Whether a ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot made contact with an rival's racket or body during play.
- Potential hindrance at the conclusion of a rally.
Importantly, there is an unlimited number on the number of reviews a competitor can initiate.
Practical Application
A recent example took place in a recent tournament recently, where a top player initiated the review system against his opponent.
Draper conceded it was a difficult situation for the umpire, but believed his rival had "played the rules effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a replay and ruled Draper was responsible for hindrance, granting the rally to his opponent.
Growing Trend
This technology are not exclusive to Grand Slams. It has been in use at the US Open for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the ATP circuit will have the system in place at all of its tournaments.
Further Updates
Another innovation at Wimbledon this year will be the addition of visual indicators on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where the crowd have occasionally been uncertain whether a shot was out or in.
In other news, with exactly a century of days remaining until the beginning of the Championships, the AELTC have further revealed an increase in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
