The tournament joins the US and Aussie Opens in implementing replay technology.
Video review technology will make its debut at The Championships this year.
Competitors are granted the option to challenge particular decisions made by the chair umpire, following the system currently in place at both the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
This technology will be accessible on the main stadium and Court One throughout the tournament and on the other four featured courts when they are staging singles matches.
This move comes just a season following the AELTC rolled out ELC, which effectively ended the centuries-old role of line judges.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Competitors cannot to dispute the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to ask for the umpire to re-examine other situations, including:
- If a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a ball touched an rival's racket or body during play.
- Possible interference end of a point.
Importantly, there will be no cap on the number of challenges a player can ask for.
Practical Application
A recent incident occurred in a recent tournament recently, where Daniil Medvedev used the video challenge against his opponent.
Draper conceded it was a difficult situation for the umpire, but believed his opponent had "used the regulations quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a replay and ruled Draper was responsible for hindrance, awarding the point to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
Video reviews aren't exclusive to Grand Slams. It has been in use at the American major for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the men's ATP Tour plans to have the system implemented at every one of its tournaments.
Additional Innovations
Another innovation at The Championships this year will be the introduction of visual indicators on displays to support the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This solves instances where the crowd have occasionally been unsure if a shot was out or in.
In other news, with exactly 100 days remaining until the start of the Championships, organizers have also announced an increase in daily capacity at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
