The tournament joins the US and Aussie Opens in utilizing replay technology.
Replay systems are set to arrive at The Championships this year.
Players are granted the ability to contest specific rulings made by the official, following the protocol already in operation at both the US Open and the Aussie major.
The new system will be accessible on Centre Court and the number one court throughout the Championships and on the other four featured courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This development follows just a season following the AELTC rolled out electronic line calling, which effectively ended the longstanding tradition of line judges.
Reviewable Decisions
Players will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the ELC system, but they can ask for the official to review specific situations, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a shot made contact with an opponent's racquet or body during play.
- Potential interference end of a rally.
Importantly, there will be no cap on the number of reviews a competitor can initiate.
A Recent Example
An illustrative case occurred in Indian Wells recently, where Daniil Medvedev used the video challenge against his opponent.
The British player admitted it was a difficult situation for the umpire, but thought his opponent had "played the rules quite well."
The umpire viewed a replay and ruled Draper was guilty of interference, awarding the rally to Medvedev.
Wider Implementation
This technology aren't new for 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 women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the men's ATP Tour plans to have video reviews implemented at every one of its events.
Further Updates
A further innovation at The Championships this year will be the addition of visual indicators on displays to support the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses instances where spectators have occasionally been uncertain if a shot was out or in.
In other news, with precisely 100 days to go until the start of the Championships, organizers have further announced an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
