Massive rule change to Grand Slams as 10-point tiebreaker to be played at all majors starting from 2022 French Open
Follow Us
Grand Slams
In a joint statement by all the Grand Slams, starting from the 2022 French Open, the 10-point tiebreaker will be applied to all matches in majors to decide the winner in the final set (5th set for Men’s and 3rd set for all other disciplines). It will be a massive change to the tournaments in various aspects.
The current rule will see all majors will be following one uniform format to decide the outcome of the matches. The rule will first begin in the 2022 French Open and will continue at the 2022 Wimbledon and the 2022 US Open as well, on a trial basis and as per the results and findings, a final decision will be made prior to the 2023 Australian Open.
In mixed doubles, junior doubles and wheelchair doubles at all majors except the Wimbledon, a 10-point tiebreak will be played instead of a final set, while the Championships will see three full sets being played, with a 10-point tiebreak at 6-6. The rule will be applied to all disciplines including the qualifier and main-draw matches as well.
“On behalf of the Australian Open, Roland-Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open, the Grand Slam Board are pleased to announce the joint decision to play a 10-point tie-break at all Grand Slams, to be played when the score reaches six games all in the final set. Further to extensive consultation with the WTA, ATP, ITF and tennis officiating community, 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.
“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,” read the official statement.
Tiebreaker rules prior to the 2022 French Open
The tiebreaker which was first introduced in the 1970s will see a common rule being applied to all majors for the first time. The 10-point tiebreaker was first applied at the 2019 Australian Open while the Wimbledon Championships and the US Open had 12-point tiebreaker and 7-point tiebreaker respectively.
The French Open had no such rule and the winner was declared when a 2-game lead was taken by one of the players. The new rule will basically reduce the long 5-setters that the players had to endure and will also see no possibility of a repeat of the historic John Isner and Nicolas Mahut played in Wimbledon.
Stay Updated!
Sarthak Shitole
(3462 Articles Published)