Wimbledon 2022: How is the winner decided if they get to 6-6 in the fifth set?
The Wimbledon Championships are underway from the All-England Club, and while the tournament is full of traditions there is a big change in the tie-break.
While The Championships at Wimbledon are seeped in history and tradition, this year there will be a minor tweak in the rules when it comes to tie-breaks.
Grand Slam Board giving it a try
The Grand Slam Board announced earlier this year that all four tournaments, the Australian Open, Roland-Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open will be adopting a universal rule for fifth set tie-breaks. The idea was put in place as a one year trial after discussions between the WTA, ATP, ITF and the tennis officiating community.
The introductions of a new tie-break format stems from the Grand Slam Boards’ hope to enhance the experience for players and fans by increasing the consistency of the rules.
Instead of the former Wimbledon structure where the winner of a fifth set tie-break is determined by the first player to take a two game advantage after ending the final set 6-6, the winner will now be decided by the first player to reach 10 points with a margin of two clear points.
Djoker won epic 25 game fifth set in 2019
Under the old rules in Wimbledon the two game advantage to win the fifth set was valid until the tie-break reached 12-12. After that the win would be awarded to whoever won the next game, like when Novak Djokovic beat Roger Federer 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 13-12 in the Final.
The change in structure has been implemented in Men’s singles and doubles, Women’s singles and doubles, Wheelchair and Junior events. In every grand slam except Wimbledon, the Mixed Doubles, Junior Doubles and Wheelchair doubles will forego a final set and play the 10 point tie-break instead.
The new rule was first put in place at the beginning of the 2022 Roland-Garros, and the Grand Slam Board will evaluate the trail throughout the Grand Slam year.