ATP to trial doubles changes starting at Madrid Open

The ATP Tour will trail a number of changes in the doubles game starting at the Madrid Open Masters in a bid to boost the format and provide a better product to fans on-site and watching online across the world.

The changes which will be introduced in Madrid include:

• Reservation of 16 slots for singles players: The 32-team draw in Madrid will see up to 16 slots being reserved for players entering with their singles rankings. The ATP hopes this will enable more singles players to play doubles and create exciting match-ups between the world’s top doubles and singles players
• Five-day schedule – The doubles event will be held over five days in Madrid – strating from the second Tuesday to Saturday
• 15-second shot clock – Players will get only 15 seconds between points for rallies shorter than four shots. The current rule of 25 seconds will continue for rallies with four shots or more.
• Fewer sit-downs and quicker changovers
• Free movement of fans in the stadium during play

The free movement of fans was also allowed at the Australian Open during singles and doubles matches.

According to the ATP press release, this format will be tested at several events during the course of the season.

WTA player Ellen Perez, ranked No 8 in the world in doubles, was among those who reacted to the announcement. The 28-year-old Australian posted on Twitter saying that “15 seconds is wildly fast to get to your partner to discuss and strategize and get back to the net” but did believe that shorter changeover time and shorter schedule were good moves.

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