Wimbledon Adopts Video Review System This Season.
The tournament joins the American and Aussie Opens in implementing video review technology.
Video review systems will make its debut at The Championships in the upcoming tournament.
Competitors will gain the ability to contest certain rulings from the chair umpire, following the system currently in place at each of the US Open and the Australian Open.
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 move follows just a year after the AELTC introduced electronic line calling, which brought an end to the longstanding role of line judges.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Players cannot to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but they can ask for the official to review specific situations, such as:
- If a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot made contact with an opponent's racquet or person during play.
- Possible interference end of a point.
Importantly, there will be no cap on the amount of reviews a competitor can initiate.
A Recent Example
An illustrative incident took place in a recent tournament recently, where a top player initiated the video challenge against his opponent.
The British player conceded it was a difficult call for the umpire, but thought his rival had "used the regulations effectively."
The umpire watched a replay and determined the player was responsible for interference, granting the point to Medvedev.
Growing Trend
This technology aren't exclusive to major tournaments. The system has been in use at the American major for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by next season the men's ATP Tour plans to have the system implemented at all of its tournaments.
Further Updates
Another change at Wimbledon this year will be the addition of graphical cues on scoreboards to support the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This solves instances where fans have occasionally been uncertain whether a ball was in or out.
Finally, with precisely a century of days to go until the start of the Championships, organizers have further announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
