Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in utilizing video review technology.
Replay technology will make its debut at Wimbledon this year.
Competitors are granted the option to contest particular calls made by the official, echoing the system already in use at each of the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
The new system will be operational on Centre Court and the number one court throughout the Championships and on the remaining featured courts when they are staging singles matches.
This development arrives only a year after the AELTC implemented electronic line calling, which terminated the 147-year tradition of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Competitors cannot to dispute the call of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to request the umpire to review other decisions, such as:
- Whether a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a ball touched an opponent's racquet or body during play.
- Potential interference at the conclusion of a point.
Notably, there is no cap on the number of reviews a player can ask for.
Practical Application
A recent example took place in a recent tournament last week, where a top player initiated the review system against Jack Draper.
The British player admitted it was a tough call for the official, but believed his opponent had "played the rules effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a video and determined Draper was guilty of hindrance, granting the point to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
Video reviews aren't exclusive to major tournaments. It has been in use at the American major for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the ATP circuit plans to have the system in place at every one of its tournaments.
Other Changes
A further change at The Championships this year involves the introduction of graphical cues on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses situations where the crowd have occasionally been uncertain whether a ball was out or in.
Finally, with precisely a century of days to go until the start of the tournament, organizers have further announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.