The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) will attempt to speed up men’s doubles tennis matches through a 15-second serve clock.
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ATP CHANGES TO BE TESTED AT MADRID OPEN
The faster serve clock will initially be tested at the Madrid Open later this month, the ATP announced on Wednesday.
The ATP tour will also attempt to reserve slots for teams to enter tournaments using their singles rankings as part of the changes.
Other changes lined up by the ATP include faster changeovers and unrestricted fan movement during play.
CHANGES AIMED TO BOOST ‘MARKETING APPEAL’ OF DOUBLES GAME
The ATP cited the need to improve to boost the “exposure and marketing appeal of the doubles game” with these changes.
Officials hope these changes will create “new narratives and storylines for fans and enhanced product for broadcast,” the ATP said.
The changes should allow more singles players to enter, particularly at the Madrid Open.
In Madrid, the doubles event was moved to the second Tuesday.
“We know it (doubles game) can add huge entertainment value, but it requires fresh storytelling to connect with fans,” ATP chief tour officer Ross Hutchins said.
