Wimbledon makes dramatic final-set tiebreak change as all four Grand Slams come together
All four Grand Slams will have the same rules regarding deciding set tiebreaks, with changes taking place with immediate effect.
Each of the four tournaments currently has a different rule, but from now on all will use the first-to-ten tiebreak at 6-6 in the final set.
“The Grand Slam Board’s decision is based on a strong desire to create greater consistency in the rules of the game at the Grand Slams, and thus enhance the experience for the players and fans alike,” a joint statement by the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and Roland Garros read.
“This trial, which has been approved by the Rules of Tennis Committee governed by the ITF, will apply to all Grand Slams across qualifying, men’s singles and doubles, women’s singles and doubles, wheelchair and junior events in singles, and will commence at the 2022 edition of Roland Garros.”
The rule sees the end to Wimbledon’s short-lived experiment with the ‘super’ set, in which a deciding set tiebreak was played at 12-games-all.
The US Open, meanwhile, have conventional rules, while the French Open were the only Grand Slam who still demanded players continued to play until a two-game advantage was established.
The changes won’t affect the Australian Open at all.
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