The tournament joins the American and Aussie Opens in employing replay systems.
Replay technology are set to arrive at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Competitors are granted the option to challenge certain rulings from the chair umpire, following the practice already in use at each of the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
This technology will be accessible on Centre Court and the number one court throughout the tournament and on the remaining show courts when they are staging singles matches.
This move arrives only a year after the AELTC introduced ELC, which terminated the centuries-old role of line judges.
Reviewable Decisions
Players will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to ask for the umpire to review other situations, including:
- Whether a ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a ball made contact with an opponent's racquet or person during play.
- Possible interference at the conclusion of a point.
Importantly, there is no cap on the number of challenges a player can ask for.
A Recent Example
A recent case occurred in a recent tournament recently, where a top player used the review system against his opponent.
Draper conceded it was a difficult situation for the umpire, but thought his rival had "used the regulations quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a replay and determined Draper was responsible for hindrance, awarding the point to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
This technology aren't new for Grand Slams. The system has been in use at the American major for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by next season the ATP circuit will have the system implemented at every one of its tournaments.
Additional Innovations
A further innovation at Wimbledon this year involves the addition of visual indicators on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses instances where the crowd have occasionally been uncertain if a ball was out or in.
In other news, with precisely 100 days to go until the beginning of the Championships, the AELTC have also revealed an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
