Wimbledon Embraces Video Challenge Technology for the First Time.
The tournament joins the US and Australian Opens in implementing replay systems.
Replay systems will be launched at Wimbledon this year.
Competitors are granted the ability to challenge certain calls from the official, echoing the practice currently in use at both the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
The new system will be operational on Centre Court and Court One throughout the tournament and on the other four featured courts when they are staging singles matches.
This step arrives only a season following the All England Club implemented ELC, which effectively ended the 147-year tradition of line judges.
Reviewable Decisions
Players cannot to challenge the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to request the official to review other decisions, such as:
- Whether a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot touched an rival's racket or body on the way past.
- Potential hindrance at the conclusion of a rally.
Importantly, there is no cap on the number of challenges a competitor can request.
Case in Point
A recent case occurred in Indian Wells last week, where Daniil Medvedev initiated the review system against Jack Draper.
Draper admitted it was a difficult call for the official, but believed his opponent had "used the regulations quite well."
The umpire watched a video and determined Draper was guilty of hindrance, awarding the rally to Medvedev.
Wider Implementation
This technology 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 increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by next season the ATP circuit will have the system implemented at every one of its tournaments.
Further Updates
Another innovation at Wimbledon this year involves the addition of visual indicators on scoreboards to support the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This solves instances where the crowd have sometimes been uncertain whether a ball was out or in.
In other news, with precisely 100 days remaining until the beginning of the tournament, organizers have also announced an increase in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
