Wimbledon will follow the US and Australian Opens in utilizing replay technology.
Replay technology will make its debut at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Athletes will gain the right to challenge particular decisions from the chair umpire, following the practice already in operation at each of the US Open and the Aussie major.
This technology is slated for use on Centre Court and the number one court throughout the Championships and on the other four show courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This development follows just a season following the AELTC rolled out ELC, which terminated the longstanding tradition of line officials.
Reviewable Decisions
Competitors cannot to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but they can request the umpire to re-examine other situations, such as:
- If a ball has double-bounced.
- If a ball touched an rival's racket or person on the way past.
- Possible hindrance at the conclusion of a rally.
Notably, there is no limit on the number of reviews a player can initiate.
Case in Point
An illustrative example occurred in Indian Wells last week, where a top player used the review system against Jack Draper.
Draper conceded it was a difficult situation for the umpire, but believed his rival had "used the regulations effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a video and determined the player was responsible for hindrance, granting the rally to his opponent.
Growing Trend
This technology are not new for Grand Slams. It was adopted at the American major for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, 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.
Further Updates
A further innovation at Wimbledon this year involves the introduction of visual indicators on displays to support the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses situations where fans have occasionally been uncertain whether a shot was in or out.
Finally, with precisely a century of days remaining until the beginning of the tournament, the AELTC have further revealed an increase in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
