What does Wimbledon 2022 use of the new tennis tie-break rules entail for the competition
The Grand Slam Board announced earlier this year that new tie-break guidelines would be used for all four Grand Slams (Australian Open, French Open, US Open and Wimbledon).
According to the revised rules, there will now be a 10-point tie-break if the last set score is 6-6. In this case, whoever scores 10 points first with a lead of at least two points is declared the winner of the game.
Explained Wimbledon Tie Break Rules Change In 2022 And Tie Breaker Rule
“Further to extensive consultation with the WTA, ATP, ITF and tennis officiating community, the Grand Slam Board’s conclusion is based on a powerful vision to make better balance in the game’s rules at the Grand Slams, and thus improve the experience for the fans and players alike,” the Grand Slam Board said in an official statement released in March 2022.
The Board reaffirmed their desire to continuously review the trial. Before making any long-term rule changes, they have stated that they will observe how the current rules are applied during the whole Grand Slam year.
What were the previous guidelines for deciding ties?
In the past, the final set winner was decided in a unique manner for each Grand Slam. The US Open utilised a seven-point tie-break, whilst the Australian Open used a 10-point tie-break.
The French Open at Roland Garros did not use a tie-break. Instead, in the decisive set, players needed to take a two-game lead to win. It was a little different at Wimbledon. A seven-point tie-break was used at the All-England Club, but only if the score reached 12-12.
At Wimbledon in 2010, John Isner and Nicolas Mahut famously engaged in the longest match in history. Before Isner won the fifth game, the pair batted for an astonishing 11 hours and 5 minutes across three days, before Isner won the fifth set by two clear games at 70-68.
Tie-break for Serena Williams
Due to the new tie-break regulations, tennis legend Serena Williams unexpectedly lost in the first round of Wimbledon 2022. The seven-time Wimbledon champion American lost in a tie-break to Harmony Tan, who was ranked 115th.
Tan won the opening set, which Williams lost, but she tied the match in the second. But the new tie-break guidelines took effect when the third set was tied at 6-6.
Tan advanced to the next round when Williams lost the tie-break 10-7.
WHAT A MOMENT, WHAT A WIN! 🤩
Harmony Tan has beaten Serena Williams in the first round.#Wimbledon #BBCTennis pic.twitter.com/5AxKEKzql4
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 28, 2022