The tournament joins the American and Australian Opens in employing video review systems.
Video review technology will be launched at The Championships this year.
Athletes will gain the right to contest certain calls made by the chair umpire, echoing the system already in operation at both the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
This innovation is slated for use on Centre Court and the number one court throughout the tournament and on the other four featured courts when they are staging singles matches.
This move arrives only a year after the All England Club implemented electronic line calling, which brought an end to the longstanding role of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Players cannot to dispute the accuracy of the ELC system, but they can ask for the official to review other situations, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot touched an opponent's racquet or person during play.
- Possible hindrance at the conclusion of a rally.
Notably, there is an unlimited number on the number of challenges a competitor can ask for.
Case in Point
A recent example took place in a recent tournament recently, where a top player initiated the video challenge against his opponent.
The British player admitted it was a tough call for the official, but believed his opponent had "played the rules quite well."
The umpire watched a video and ruled Draper was guilty of hindrance, awarding the rally to his opponent.
Growing Trend
Video reviews are not new for major tournaments. The system was adopted at the US Open for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the men's ATP Tour will have video reviews in place at every one of its events.
Further Updates
A further innovation at The Championships this year involves the introduction of visual indicators on scoreboards to complement the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This solves situations where spectators have occasionally been unsure whether a ball was out or in.
Finally, with precisely 100 days remaining until the start of the tournament, organizers have further revealed an increase in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
