The new tennis tie-break rules are in effect at Wimbledon 2022, but what does it mean for the tournament?
Earlier this year, the Grand Slam Board announced that there would be new tie-break rules in effect across all four Grand Slams (Australian Open, French Open, US Open and Wimbledon).
The new rules set out that if the score reaches 6-6 in the final set, there will now be a 10-point tie-break.
If such a scenario arises, the winner(s) of the match will be the first player(s) to win 10 points, with an advantage of at least two points.
In an official statement, made in March 2022, the Grand Slam Board explained the decision: “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.”
The Board also reiterated their desire to review the trial continually. They have said they will see how the rules play out over a full Grand Slam year before deciding on any permanent rule change.
What were the previous tie-break rules?
In the past, each of the Grand Slams had a different way of determining the winner of the final set.
The Australian Open used a 10-point tie-break, while the US Open had a seven-point tie-break.
Roland Garros (French Open) didn’t feature a tie-break. Instead, players had to secure a two-game lead in the deciding set to emerge as victors.
Wimbledon was a little different. At the All-England Club, a seven-point tie-break was carried out, but only if the score had reached 12-12.
Famously, John Isner and Nicolas Mahut played out the longest match of all time at Wimbledon in 2010. The pair batted for an incredible 11 hours and 5 minutes, across three days, before Isner won the fifth set by two clear games at 70-68.
Serena Williams’ tie-break
Tennis great Serena Williams suffered a shock exit in the first round of Wimbledon 2022, with the new tie-break rules in place. The American, who has won Wimbledon seven times, lost to her 115th-ranked opponent, Harmony Tan, in a tie-break.
Having lost the first set to Tan, Williams drew level in the second. But with the third set locked at 6-6, the new tie-break rules came into effect.
Williams was defeated 10-7 in the tie-break, and Tan progressed to the next round.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
