Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in implementing replay systems.
Replay technology will be launched at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Players will gain the right to challenge specific calls made by the chair umpire, echoing the system currently in operation at both the US Open and the Australian Open.
The new system will be accessible on the main stadium and Court One throughout the tournament and on the remaining show courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This move comes just a season following the All England Club introduced electronic line calling, which effectively ended the longstanding tradition of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Players cannot to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but they can request the official to re-examine other decisions, including:
- If a ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a ball touched an rival's racket or person during play.
- Possible interference end of a rally.
Notably, there is no cap on the amount of reviews a player can initiate.
A Recent Example
A recent example occurred in a recent tournament recently, where Daniil Medvedev used the video challenge against Jack Draper.
The British player admitted it was a tough situation for the umpire, but thought his rival had "used the regulations quite well."
The umpire watched a replay and ruled Draper was guilty of interference, granting the rally to Medvedev.
Broader Adoption
This technology are not new for Grand Slams. The system was adopted at the American major for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the ATP circuit plans to have video reviews implemented at all of its events.
Other Changes
Another change at The Championships this year involves the introduction of visual indicators on displays to complement the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses instances where fans have occasionally been uncertain if a ball was out or in.
Finally, with precisely 100 days remaining until the start of the Championships, the AELTC have further announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
