Wimbledon tennis fans will have noticed something has changed this year, with final sets using tie breaks for the first time to decide matches.
Previously, final sets at Grand Slam events have gone on until one player wins by two clear games, meaning some contests have lasted hours and hours. But a new trial was announced in March, introducing a 10-point tie break to decide all final sets that reach six games all. The winner must win the tie break by two clear points.
This situation unfolded on Tuesday night, as Serena Williams was knocked out in the first round as a result of a final set tie break.
The longest tennis match ever lasted for 11 hours and 5 minutes and was contested over three days between John Isner and Nicolas Mahut at 2010 Wimbledon. Isner eventually won the final set 70 games to 68.
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The Grand Slam Board announced in March: "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
"Under this trial, if the score reaches six games all in the final set, the match winner(s) will be the first player(s) to win 10 points with an advantage of two or more points.
"The Grand Slam Board plan to review the trial during the course of a full Grand Slam year, in consultation with the WTA, ATP and ITF, before applying for any permanent rule change."
