The men's ATP tour is set to introduce several changes to doubles tennis in an effort to revitalize the sport and enhance its appeal to fans. These changes will be trialed at the upcoming Madrid Open and select events throughout the season.
One of the key changes includes the implementation of a 15-second serve clock, aimed at speeding up the pace of play. Additionally, teams will now have the opportunity to enter tournaments using their singles rankings, with up to 16 slots reserved for such pairs in the 32-team draw.
The ATP hopes that these changes will create new narratives and storylines for fans, as well as increase the exposure and marketing appeal of doubles tennis. By allowing more matchups between top doubles and singles players, the tour aims to generate greater interest in the sport.
Other modifications to the format include quicker changeovers, a streamlined schedule over five days during the second week of the tournament, and unrestricted fan movement during play. These adjustments are designed to improve the on-site experience for spectators and provide an enhanced product for broadcast.
The tour believes that there is untapped potential in doubles tennis and that by exploring new formats and rules, they can unlock greater entertainment value for fans. The reduction in time between points and the shift in the start of the doubles event in Madrid are just some of the ways in which the ATP is looking to innovate and evolve the sport.
ATP chief tour officer Ross Hutchins expressed optimism about the changes, stating that they are part of an ongoing effort to enhance the doubles game and connect with a broader audience. By staying agile and open to experimentation, the ATP aims to ensure the continued growth and success of doubles tennis on the professional circuit.
