Wimbledon Adopts Video Review Technology for the First Time.
The tournament joins the US and Australian Opens in utilizing video review technology.
Replay systems will be launched at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Competitors are granted the option to question certain decisions made by the official, mirroring the system currently in place at each of the US Open and the Aussie major.
This technology will be accessible on Centre Court and Court One throughout the Championships and on the other four show courts when they are staging singles contests.
This step arrives only a season following the AELTC implemented electronic line calling, which brought an end to the 147-year role of line officials.
Reviewable Decisions
Players cannot to challenge the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to request the official to re-examine specific situations, including:
- Whether a ball has double-bounced.
- If a ball made contact with an rival's racket or body during play.
- Possible interference at the conclusion of a point.
Notably, there is no cap on the number of reviews a competitor can request.
Case in Point
An illustrative incident occurred in Indian Wells last week, where a top player initiated the review system against Jack Draper.
The British player conceded it was a tough situation for the umpire, but thought his opponent had "played the rules quite well."
The umpire watched a video and ruled Draper was guilty of interference, granting the point to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
Video reviews aren't new for 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 all of its events.
Further Updates
Another change at The Championships this year will be the addition of graphical cues on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This solves situations where spectators have occasionally been uncertain if a shot was in or out.
In other news, with exactly a century of days remaining until the beginning of the tournament, the AELTC have further announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
