The tournament joins the American and Aussie Opens in employing replay systems.
Replay systems will make its debut at The Championships this year.
Competitors will gain the right to challenge particular decisions from the official, mirroring the system currently in use at both the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
This innovation is slated for use on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the tournament and on the other four featured courts when they are staging singles contests.
This step comes just a season following the All England Club implemented ELC, which brought an end to the longstanding role of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Players cannot to dispute the call of the electronic line calling, but they can ask for the umpire to review specific situations, including:
- If a ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot touched an rival's racket or body on the way past.
- Possible interference at the conclusion of a point.
Importantly, there is no limit on the number of reviews a competitor can initiate.
A Recent Example
An illustrative case occurred in Indian Wells last week, where Daniil Medvedev used the video challenge against Jack Draper.
The British player admitted it was a difficult situation for the umpire, but believed his opponent had "used the regulations effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a replay and determined Draper was responsible for hindrance, granting the point to his opponent.
Growing Trend
This technology aren't new for Grand Slams. It has been in use at the US Open for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by next season the men's ATP Tour will have video reviews in place at every one of its events.
Additional Innovations
Another innovation at The Championships this year will be the introduction of visual indicators on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses situations where spectators have sometimes been unsure whether a shot was out or in.
Finally, with exactly a century of days remaining until the beginning of the Championships, organizers have further revealed an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
