Wimbledon Embraces Video Replay Technology for the First Time.
The tournament joins the US and Aussie Opens in implementing video review systems.
Replay technology are set to arrive at Wimbledon this year.
Athletes are granted the right to contest specific rulings made by the chair umpire, echoing the system already in place at each of the US Open and the Australian Open.
This technology will be operational on the main stadium and Court One for the duration of the tournament and on the other four show courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This step arrives only a year after the AELTC implemented ELC, which effectively ended the centuries-old role of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Players will not be permitted to dispute the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to ask for the umpire to review other situations, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot touched an rival's racket or body on the way past.
- Possible hindrance end of a rally.
Importantly, there is no cap on the number of challenges a player can request.
Practical Application
A recent case took place in a recent tournament recently, where a top player initiated the review system against Jack Draper.
Draper conceded it was a difficult situation for the umpire, but thought his opponent had "used the regulations effectively."
The umpire viewed a replay and ruled the player was guilty of hindrance, awarding the rally to his opponent.
Growing Trend
Video reviews aren't exclusive to Grand Slams. It was adopted at the American major for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the ATP circuit plans to have video reviews in place at every one of its tournaments.
Further Updates
A further change at The Championships this year will be the addition of visual indicators on displays to complement the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses situations where fans have sometimes been uncertain if a shot was out or in.
In other news, with precisely 100 days to go until the start of the Championships, the AELTC have also announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
