Wimbledon will follow the US and Australian Opens in implementing replay systems.
Replay technology will make its debut at Wimbledon this year.
Competitors are granted the ability to question particular calls from the official, following the system already in operation at both the US Open and the Aussie major.
This technology is slated for use on the main stadium and Court One throughout the tournament and on the other four show courts when they are staging singles matches.
This development comes just a season following the All England Club implemented electronic line calling, which brought an end to the 147-year tradition of line officials.
Reviewable Decisions
Players cannot to dispute the accuracy of the ELC system, but they can request the official to re-examine specific situations, including:
- If a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- If a ball touched an opponent's racquet or body on the way past.
- Potential hindrance at the conclusion of a point.
Importantly, there is an unlimited number on the amount of reviews a competitor can initiate.
Practical Application
An illustrative example occurred in a recent tournament recently, where a top player used the review system against Jack Draper.
Draper conceded it was a tough situation for the umpire, but thought his opponent had "played the rules quite well."
The umpire viewed a replay and ruled Draper was guilty of hindrance, granting the rally to his opponent.
Growing Trend
This technology aren't exclusive to major tournaments. It was adopted at the US Open for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the men's ATP Tour plans to have video reviews implemented at every one of its events.
Additional Innovations
A further innovation at Wimbledon this year involves the addition of visual indicators on displays to complement the audio calls from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where fans have occasionally been unsure whether a shot was out or in.
In other news, with precisely a century of days remaining until the beginning of the tournament, organizers have further announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
