Shot clock among tennis grand slam innovations

A shot clock and a reduction in the number of seeds from 32 to 16 are among reforms to be discussed by the grand slam events.

World No 1 Rafael Nadal could face a 17th seed early in a tournament

A shot clock, in-match coaching and a reduction in the number of seeds from 32 to 16 are among reforms to be discussed by the Australian Open and the other three grand-slam tournaments in London next week.

As tennis embraces innovation, with the ATP trying out several new rules at the Next Gen Finals in Milan this week, there is a fresh willingness from the grand slam tournament organisers to consider change at the championships. Amendments to the rulebook will be on the agenda at the grand slam board’s year-end meeting, which will be attended by David Haggerty, the International Tennis Federation president, and representatives from the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open. Some reforms could be introduced next season.

Although there is a preference for consistency, new rules do not have to be adopted by all four tournaments. For example, a shot clock, which counts down the 20-second time limit between points, could be used at the Australian Open but not at Wimbledon.

The All England Club takes pride in maintaining the traditions of the sport but has realised in recent months that it may fall behind the other grand slams if it refuses to adopt some innovations.

The US Open was the first to adopt the shot clock, experimenting with it in junior events last year and qualifying this year. The hope had been that this could be extended to main-draw matches within three years but the positive reaction has accelerated the process. The time allowed between points may be increased to 25 seconds, to bring the grand slam tournaments in line with the limit at ATP events.

In-match coaching was also trialled at the US Open, and could be extended. Coaches will not be allowed to come on the court, as they do on the WTA tour, but will be permitted to communicate with the player from the courtside box.

A reduction in seeded players would have a significant impact on the draw. There are 32 seeds in a 128-player field, which gives higher-ranked competitors protection in the early rounds and a better chance of reaching the second week. There is a belief that bringing the number of seeds down to 16 would make for closer contests and more exciting television coverage in the first week. For example, Rafael Nadal, who is the world No 1, could potentially face the world No 17 in the first round. Under the present system, that match could only happen in the fourth round.

Other reforms under consideration include a limit of one toilet break per match, to prevent players leaving the court after losing a set as part of a ruse to halt an opponent’s momentum. Men are allowed two in a best-of-five-set match, while women can take two in best-of-three-set encounters.

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