Wimbledon Introduces Video Replay Technology for the First Time.
The tournament joins the American and Aussie Opens in utilizing replay systems.
Video review technology are set to arrive at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Players will gain the option to question certain decisions from the chair umpire, mirroring the system already in place at each of the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
This technology will be accessible on Centre Court and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the remaining show courts when they are staging singles contests.
This move comes just a year after the All England Club rolled out ELC, which effectively ended the centuries-old tradition of line judges.
Reviewable Decisions
Competitors cannot to dispute the call of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to request the official to re-examine specific situations, such as:
- If a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot touched an rival's racket or body during play.
- Potential interference end of a rally.
Notably, there is an unlimited number on the number of challenges a competitor can ask for.
Practical Application
A recent incident took place in a recent tournament last week, where a top player used the review system against Jack Draper.
Draper conceded it was a difficult situation for the official, but believed his rival had "used the regulations quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a replay and ruled the player was responsible for hindrance, granting the rally to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
This technology aren't new for Grand Slams. It was adopted at the American major for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the ATP circuit plans to have the system implemented at every one of its events.
Additional Innovations
A further innovation at The Championships this year will be the addition of visual indicators on displays to complement the audio calls from the ELC system.
This addresses situations where spectators have occasionally been unsure if a ball was in or out.
Finally, with precisely a century of days to go until the start of the Championships, organizers have further revealed an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.