Wimbledon Introduces Video Review System for the First Time.
The tournament joins the American and Aussie Opens in employing video review technology.
Video review systems are set to arrive at Wimbledon this year.
Players will gain the right to question specific calls made by the chair umpire, mirroring the practice already in operation at each of the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
This innovation will be accessible on Centre Court and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the other four featured courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This step follows just a year after the All England Club rolled out electronic line calling, which terminated the longstanding role of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Players will not be permitted to dispute the call of the ELC system, but are allowed to ask for the official to re-examine other decisions, including:
- Whether a ball has double-bounced.
- If a ball touched an opponent's racquet or person during play.
- Possible hindrance at the conclusion of a rally.
Notably, there is an unlimited number on the number of challenges a player can ask for.
Practical Application
A recent example occurred in Indian Wells recently, where Daniil Medvedev used the video challenge against Jack Draper.
Draper admitted it was a difficult situation for the umpire, but thought his rival had "used the regulations effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a replay and determined the player was guilty of hindrance, awarding the point to Medvedev.
Growing Trend
Video reviews are not exclusive to Grand Slams. It has been in use at the US Open for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by next season the men's ATP Tour plans to have the system implemented at every one of its tournaments.
Additional Innovations
Another change at The Championships this year involves the addition of graphical cues on scoreboards to complement the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses situations where spectators have occasionally been unsure whether a shot was in or out.
In other news, with precisely 100 days remaining until the beginning of the tournament, organizers have also announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
