Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in implementing replay technology.
Video review systems will be launched at The Championships this year.
Players will gain the ability to question certain rulings from the official, following the system already in use at both the US Open and the Aussie major.
This innovation will be operational on Centre Court and the number one court for the duration of the tournament and on the remaining featured courts when they are staging singles contests.
This step comes just a season following the All England Club introduced ELC, which terminated the 147-year role of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors cannot to dispute the call of the ELC system, but they can request the official to review specific decisions, including:
- Whether a ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot touched an opponent's racquet or person on the way past.
- Possible interference end of a point.
Importantly, there is no limit on the number of reviews a competitor can initiate.
Practical Application
An illustrative 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 call for the umpire, but believed his rival had "used the regulations effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a video and ruled Draper was responsible for interference, granting the point to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
This technology aren't new for Grand Slams. The system 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 next season the men's ATP Tour will have the system in place at all of its events.
Other Changes
Another innovation at Wimbledon this year will be the addition of visual indicators on scoreboards to support the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This solves instances where fans have sometimes been uncertain if a shot was in or out.
Finally, with precisely 100 days remaining until the beginning of the tournament, organizers have further revealed an increase in daily capacity at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
