The men’s doubles competitions often go under the radar at major tennis tournaments. This will change in the future with new rules.
Doubles is a discipline that is often underestimated in tennis, is usually played on the sidelines of a tournament and receives little attention. In this country, doubles recently received unusual attention from a broader public when the German professionals Andreas Mies and Kevin Krawietz won the traditional Grand Slam tournament, the French Open, two times in a row (2019/2020).
But shortly after these spectacular triumphs, the demanding game at the highest level was largely forgotten not only by the fans, but also by the enthusiastic amateur players.
In Germany, this sub-chapter of tennis often receives less attention in the leisure sector than in the USA, for example, where amateur players often prefer doubles to singles.
More attention at the tournaments
Now the fight between the four on the tennis court should be given more attention at international tournaments, which should also have an impact on popular sports. New rules were announced by the Association of Tennis Professionals ATP on Wednesday (April 3, 2024). “The attempt aims to increase the awareness and attractiveness of doubles play,” said the ATP.
The process of change will begin in April with format changes at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Madrid (April 22 to May 5).
The ATP has newly regulated four points:
1. The 32-team draw will reserve up to 16 spots for teams entering via their singles rankings, resulting in an unprecedented number of matches between the best doubles and singles players in the world.
2. In the second week of the tournament, the game schedule was streamlined to five days (Tuesday to Saturday) in order to offer fans and players a simpler and clearer process.
3. Reduced Shot Clock (shows when the next serve must be made) to speed up the pace of play and minimize downtime during matches. The time between points is reduced to 15 seconds after rallies shorter than four shots (four or more shots = 25 seconds).
4. Free movement of fans around the arena during the game, which is intended to make the on-site experience more enjoyable.
Players recognize the need
“The doubles has so much to offer fans and the atmosphere it can create when presented in the right way is phenomenal. However, as players we recognize that more needs to be done to put us at our best to show,” says the current number two in the doubles world rankings, Matthew Ebden, who contributed intensively to the reform from a player’s perspective.
The rule changes will be “tested at select events during the 2024 season,” the ATP said. Details are yet to be announced.
