Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in implementing replay systems.
Replay systems will be launched at The Championships this year.
Athletes are granted the right to contest particular rulings made by the chair umpire, mirroring the system currently in use at each of the US Open and the Aussie major.
This innovation is slated for use on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the other four featured courts when they are staging singles matches.
This step comes just a year after the AELTC rolled out ELC, which brought an end to the 147-year tradition of line officials.
Reviewable Decisions
Competitors cannot to challenge the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to ask for the official to re-examine other decisions, including:
- If a ball has bounced twice.
- If a ball made contact with an rival's racket or person on the way past.
- Possible interference end of a rally.
Notably, there will be no limit on the amount of reviews a player can initiate.
A Recent Example
An illustrative incident occurred in a recent tournament last week, where Daniil Medvedev initiated the review system against Jack Draper.
Draper conceded it was a difficult situation for the umpire, but believed his rival had "played the rules effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a video and determined Draper was responsible for interference, granting the point to Medvedev.
Growing Trend
Video reviews aren't new for major tournaments. It was adopted at the US Open for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the men's ATP Tour will have the system in place at every one of its tournaments.
Further Updates
Another innovation at The Championships this year will be the addition of graphical cues on scoreboards to support the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where spectators have sometimes been unsure if a shot was in or out.
Finally, with exactly a century of days remaining until the start of the Championships, the AELTC have further announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
