The tournament joins the American and Aussie Opens in implementing video review systems.
Video review systems will make its debut at The Championships this year.
Athletes will gain the option to question specific rulings made by the chair umpire, following the system already in place at each of the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
This innovation is slated for use on Centre Court and Court One throughout the Championships and on the remaining show courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This development arrives only a year after the AELTC implemented ELC, which brought an end to the longstanding tradition of line officials.
Reviewable Decisions
Competitors will not be permitted to dispute the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but they can ask for the official to re-examine specific decisions, such as:
- If a ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a shot touched an opponent's racquet or body on the way past.
- Potential interference end of a rally.
Importantly, there is no cap on the amount of reviews a competitor can request.
Case in Point
A recent example occurred in a recent tournament last week, where a top player used the review system against his opponent.
The British player conceded it was a difficult call for the umpire, but believed his rival had "played the rules effectively."
The umpire viewed a video and ruled Draper was responsible for hindrance, awarding the point to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
This technology aren't new for Grand Slams. It was adopted at the American major for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the men's ATP Tour will have the system in place at all of its events.
Additional Innovations
Another innovation at The Championships this year will be the addition of graphical cues on displays to complement the audio calls from the ELC system.
This addresses situations where the crowd have occasionally been unsure whether a shot was out or in.
In other news, with precisely 100 days to go until the start of the tournament, organizers have further revealed an increase in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
