The tournament joins the US and Aussie Opens in employing video review technology.
Replay systems will be launched at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Athletes are granted the ability to contest particular decisions made by the chair umpire, following the protocol already in place at each of the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
This technology will be operational on Centre Court and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the other four show courts when they are staging singles matches.
This move comes just a year after the All England Club implemented electronic line calling, which terminated the longstanding tradition of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors cannot to challenge the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to request the umpire to re-examine other decisions, including:
- Whether a ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a shot touched an opponent's racquet or body during play.
- Potential hindrance end of a point.
Notably, there is an unlimited number on the amount of reviews a competitor can request.
Practical Application
A recent example occurred in a recent tournament recently, where a top player used the video challenge against Jack Draper.
The British player admitted it was a tough situation for the official, but thought his rival had "used the regulations effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a video and determined the player was responsible for hindrance, granting the rally to Medvedev.
Broader Adoption
This technology are not exclusive to Grand Slams. It has been in use at the US Open for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the ATP circuit will have video reviews implemented at every one of its events.
Other Changes
Another change at Wimbledon this year involves the addition of visual indicators on displays to support the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where spectators have occasionally been uncertain if a ball was in or out.
In other news, with exactly a century of days remaining until the beginning of the tournament, the AELTC have further announced an increase in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
