The tournament joins the American and Australian Opens in implementing replay systems.
Replay systems are set to arrive at Wimbledon this year.
Competitors will gain the option to challenge specific calls made by the official, mirroring the protocol currently in use at each of the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
This technology will be operational on the main stadium and the number one court throughout the Championships and on the remaining featured courts when they are staging singles matches.
This step comes just a year after the AELTC implemented electronic line calling, which terminated the 147-year tradition of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Players will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to ask for the umpire to review other decisions, such as:
- If a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a shot made contact with an rival's racket or body on the way past.
- Possible interference at the conclusion of a point.
Importantly, there will be an unlimited number on the amount of challenges a player can request.
Practical Application
A recent case took place in Indian Wells last week, where a top player initiated the review system against Jack Draper.
The British player conceded it was a tough call for the official, but believed his rival had "used the regulations effectively."
The umpire viewed a video and determined the player was guilty of hindrance, granting the point to Medvedev.
Broader Adoption
Video reviews aren't exclusive to Grand Slams. It was adopted at the US Open for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the men's ATP Tour will have video reviews implemented at all of its events.
Further Updates
Another innovation at The Championships this year involves the addition of visual indicators on scoreboards to support the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses instances where the crowd have sometimes been unsure if a ball was in or out.
Finally, with precisely a century of days to go until the beginning of the tournament, the AELTC have further revealed an increase in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
