The tournament joins the US and Australian Opens in implementing video review systems.
Replay technology will make its debut at The Championships this year.
Players are granted the right to challenge particular calls from the official, echoing the practice currently in use at each of the US Open and the Aussie major.
This technology is slated for use on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the other four featured courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This move arrives only a season following the All England Club rolled out electronic line calling, which effectively ended the 147-year role of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Players will not be permitted to dispute the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to request the official to review other decisions, including:
- If a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a shot made contact with an rival's racket or body on the way past.
- Possible interference end of a rally.
Importantly, there is an unlimited number on the number of reviews a competitor can initiate.
Case in Point
An illustrative incident occurred in Indian Wells recently, where a top player used the review system against his opponent.
Draper admitted it was a tough call for the official, but believed his rival had "played the rules quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a replay and ruled the player was guilty of hindrance, granting the point to Medvedev.
Broader Adoption
This technology aren't exclusive to major tournaments. It 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 men's ATP Tour plans to have video reviews in place at every one of its events.
Other Changes
A further innovation at The Championships this year involves the introduction of visual indicators on displays to support the audio calls from the ELC system.
This addresses situations where fans have occasionally been unsure whether a ball was out or in.
In other news, with exactly 100 days to go until the beginning of the Championships, organizers have also announced an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
