In 2006, an on-court player challenge system was adopted by the governing bodies of men's and women's professional tennis, the ATP and WTA, according to the United States Tennis Association. The challenge allows for a player to question a call made by a linesperson or umpire during a professional tennis match. It is used at all ATP and WTA tournaments that have an electrical line calling system, as well as the Grand Slam events--the Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. All rules apply for doubles teams as well as singles players.
Number of Challenges
The original rule allowed for a player to have two challenges per set. If the challenge was ruled in the player's favor, the player was not charged for the challenge. According to Wimbledon.org, in 2008, the rule was changed to allow for more. If a player has three challenges that were not correct, he is not permitted another challenge in that set. A player is, however, entitled to an additional challenge if the set goes into a tiebreaker.
Timing
A player must indicate her desire to challenge immediately following the point in question. A challenge can also be instigated after an overrule or line call on a serve. If a challenge is not made within a timely manner, the chair umpire may refuse to allow the electronic review. This is the only reason a challenge may be refused.
Instant Replay
Once a player has requested the challenge, the umpire will initiate the instant replay as soon as possible. The replay, using Hawk-Eye technology adopted in tennis, is provided simultaneously on the video boards in the stadium and on television broadcasts so everyone sees the results at the same time.
Special Circumstance
Challenges are most often requested by the tennis player; however, there are times when a chair umpire may request one. For example, if a line umpire cannot clearly see a point-ending shot and the umpire feels that he cannot make a decision on the ball without the instant replay, the umpire may request a challenge.
Result
The result of the player challenge is final. It may not be appealed by either player, and it may not be overruled by a chair umpire or referee. If the electronic review is unavailable or the instant replay is not working for any reason, the original call--or overrule--will stand.
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