Wimbledon Embraces Video Review Technology This Season.
The tournament joins the American and Aussie Opens in implementing video review systems.
Video review technology will be launched at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Athletes are granted the option to contest particular rulings from the chair umpire, echoing the system currently in place at both the US Open and the Australian Open.
This technology will be accessible on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the tournament and on the remaining featured courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This step arrives only a season following the All England Club rolled out electronic line calling, which effectively ended the centuries-old role of line officials.
Reviewable Decisions
Players will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but they can ask for the umpire to review specific situations, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot made contact with an opponent's racquet or body during play.
- Potential interference at the conclusion of a point.
Notably, there is no limit on the number of reviews a competitor can ask for.
Practical Application
A recent incident occurred in a recent tournament last week, where Daniil Medvedev initiated the review system against Jack Draper.
The British player conceded it was a tough situation for the umpire, but believed his opponent had "used the regulations effectively."
The umpire watched a video and ruled Draper was responsible for interference, granting the point to his opponent.
Growing Trend
This technology aren't new for major tournaments. The system was adopted at the American major for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by next season the men's ATP Tour will have the system in place at all of its events.
Additional Innovations
A further change at Wimbledon this year involves the addition of visual indicators on scoreboards to support the audio calls from the ELC system.
This solves instances where spectators have occasionally been uncertain whether a shot was in or out.
Finally, with exactly 100 days remaining until the start of the Championships, organizers have further revealed an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
