Wimbledon will follow the American and Australian Opens in employing video review systems.
Video review technology will be launched at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Competitors will gain the ability to contest specific calls from the official, echoing the protocol already in operation at both the US Open and the Aussie major.
This technology is slated for use on Centre Court and the number one court throughout the Championships and on the other four featured courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This development comes just a year after the AELTC rolled out electronic line calling, which brought an end to the 147-year role of line officials.
Reviewable Decisions
Competitors will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but they can ask for the umpire to review specific situations, such as:
- If a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a shot touched an opponent's racquet or person on the way past.
- Potential hindrance at the conclusion of a point.
Importantly, there will be no limit on the number of reviews a player can request.
Practical Application
An illustrative example occurred in a recent tournament last week, where a top player initiated the review system against Jack Draper.
Draper conceded it was a tough situation for the umpire, but thought his opponent had "used the regulations effectively."
The umpire viewed a replay and ruled Draper was guilty of interference, awarding the point to Medvedev.
Broader Adoption
Video reviews aren't exclusive to major tournaments. The system was adopted 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 the coming year the men's ATP Tour will have video reviews in place at all of its events.
Other Changes
Another change at Wimbledon this year involves the addition of graphical cues on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses situations where fans have occasionally been unsure whether a shot was out or in.
Finally, with precisely a century of days to go until the beginning of the tournament, organizers have also announced an increase in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
