The tournament joins the US and Aussie Opens in utilizing replay technology.
Video review systems will be launched at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Players will gain the option to contest particular decisions from the official, echoing the protocol currently in place at both the US Open and the Australian Open.
This innovation will be operational on Centre Court and the number one court for the duration of the tournament and on the other four featured courts when they are staging singles matches.
This development follows just a year after the All England Club rolled out ELC, which terminated the 147-year tradition of line judges.
Reviewable Decisions
Competitors cannot to dispute the call of the ELC system, but are allowed to request the umpire to re-examine specific decisions, such as:
- If a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a ball made contact with an rival's racket or person during play.
- Possible hindrance at the conclusion of a rally.
Notably, there is an unlimited number on the amount of reviews a player can initiate.
Practical Application
An illustrative incident took place in Indian Wells last week, where a top player used the video challenge against his opponent.
The British player admitted it was a difficult call for the umpire, but believed his opponent had "played the rules effectively."
The umpire watched a replay and determined the player was responsible for hindrance, awarding the point to his opponent.
Growing Trend
Video reviews aren't new for Grand Slams. The system has been in use at the US Open for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by next season the men's ATP Tour will have the system implemented at every one of its events.
Further Updates
Another innovation at Wimbledon this year involves the introduction of graphical cues on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses situations where spectators have occasionally been uncertain whether a ball was in or out.
Finally, with exactly 100 days to go until the start of the tournament, the AELTC have further announced an increase in daily capacity at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
