The tournament joins the American and Australian Opens in utilizing video review technology.
Video review technology will make its debut at The Championships in the upcoming tournament.
Players are granted the option to contest certain calls made by the chair umpire, echoing the protocol currently in use at both the US Open and the Aussie major.
This innovation is slated for use on Centre Court and the number one court throughout the Championships and on the other four show courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This move arrives only a year after the All England Club implemented electronic line calling, which brought an end to the 147-year role of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors will not be permitted to dispute the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to ask for the official to re-examine specific situations, including:
- If a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- If a shot touched an rival's racket or person on the way past.
- Potential interference at the conclusion of a rally.
Importantly, there will be an unlimited number on the amount of reviews a competitor can request.
Practical Application
A recent example took place in a recent tournament last week, where a top player initiated the video challenge against his opponent.
The British player conceded it was a tough call for the official, but believed his opponent had "used the regulations effectively."
The umpire viewed a video and determined the player was responsible for hindrance, awarding the rally to Medvedev.
Wider Implementation
This technology aren't exclusive to Grand Slams. The system was adopted 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 ATP circuit will have the system implemented at all of its tournaments.
Additional Innovations
A further change at The Championships this year will be the addition of visual indicators on displays to complement the audio calls from the ELC system.
This addresses situations where spectators have occasionally been unsure whether a shot was out or in.
Finally, with precisely 100 days remaining until the beginning of the Championships, organizers have further announced an increase in daily capacity at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
