ATP Tour Trials New Doubles Tennis Format to Enhance Entertainment Value

In an effort to revamp and enhance the doubles tennis experience, the men’s ATP tour is set to introduce several exciting changes to the format. The ATP announced on Wednesday that these new modifications will be trialed at the upcoming Madrid Open and at 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 and adding a new level of excitement to the matches. 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. This move is expected to create more matchups between top doubles and singles players, offering fans a fresh and compelling viewing experience.

Moreover, the tour will be streamlining the schedule to five days during the second week of the tournament, allowing for quicker changeovers and unrestricted fan movement during play. These adjustments are all part of the ATP’s strategy to enhance the exposure and marketing appeal of doubles tennis, creating new narratives and storylines for fans to enjoy.

ATP chief tour officer Ross Hutchins expressed his optimism about the potential of doubles tennis, stating, “We know it can add huge entertainment value, but it requires fresh storytelling to connect with fans.” By trialing new formats and rules, the ATP aims to stay agile and explore innovative ways to elevate the doubles game and provide an enhanced product for viewers.

With these exciting changes on the horizon, tennis fans can look forward to a revitalized doubles experience that promises to deliver more action, drama, and entertainment on the court.