The tournament joins the US and Australian Opens in employing replay systems.
Replay systems are set to arrive at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Competitors are granted the option to challenge certain decisions made by the official, echoing the system currently in operation at each of the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
This technology is slated for use on Centre Court and the number one court throughout the tournament and on the remaining show courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This development arrives only a year after the All England Club implemented ELC, which effectively ended the longstanding tradition of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Players cannot to challenge the call of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to ask for the official to review specific decisions, such as:
- If a ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a ball made contact with an rival's racket or person on the way past.
- Possible interference at the conclusion of a rally.
Notably, there will be no limit on the number of reviews a competitor can initiate.
Practical Application
A recent case took place in Indian Wells recently, where a top player initiated the review system against Jack Draper.
Draper admitted it was a tough situation for the umpire, but believed his opponent had "used the regulations effectively."
The umpire viewed a replay and ruled the player was responsible for interference, granting the point to his opponent.
Growing Trend
This technology aren't exclusive to major tournaments. It has been in use 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 will have the system implemented at every one of its events.
Additional Innovations
Another change at The Championships this year involves the addition of graphical cues on displays to support the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This solves situations where the crowd have occasionally been uncertain whether a ball was out or in.
Finally, with precisely a century of days remaining until the start of the tournament, organizers have also revealed an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
