The tournament joins the US and Aussie Opens in employing video review systems.
Video review systems will be launched at Wimbledon this year.
Athletes will gain the option to challenge certain decisions from the chair umpire, following the protocol already in operation at both the US Open and the Aussie major.
This technology will be accessible on Centre Court and the number one court throughout the tournament and on the other four show courts when they are staging singles contests.
This development comes just a year after the All England Club rolled out ELC, which effectively ended the longstanding tradition of line judges.
Reviewable Decisions
Competitors will not be permitted to dispute the call of the electronic line calling, but they can request the official to review specific decisions, such as:
- Whether a ball has bounced twice.
- If a ball made contact with an rival's racket or body on the way past.
- Possible interference end of a rally.
Importantly, there will be an unlimited number on the amount of reviews a player can request.
Case in Point
An illustrative example took place in a recent tournament last week, where a top player used the video challenge against Jack Draper.
Draper admitted it was a tough call for the official, but thought his opponent had "played the rules effectively."
The umpire watched a replay and ruled Draper was guilty of interference, awarding the point to his opponent.
Growing Trend
Video reviews aren't exclusive to Grand Slams. The system was adopted at the US Open for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by next season the ATP circuit plans to have video reviews implemented at every one of its tournaments.
Other Changes
Another change at The Championships this year involves the introduction of visual indicators on displays to support the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where the crowd have sometimes been unsure if a ball was out or in.
Finally, with exactly a century of days remaining until the beginning of the tournament, organizers have also announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
