LONDON: Wimbledon shortens men’s doubles matches from best-of-five sets to best-of-three at this year’s championships, the All England Club announced on Wednesday.
The traditional five-set format had been criticized in the past for discouraging more singles specialists from competing in doubles.
Wimbledon was the only grand slam tournament to play five-set doubles, but will now align with the Australian Open, French Open and US open.
“The decision has been taken after wide consultation and the change brings Wimbledon in line with the other grand slams that host men’s doubles in a best-of-three format,” the AELTC said in a statement.
“This update will provide the referee’s office with greater certainty when planning matches during the event and we hope it will encourage even more players to participate in doubles at Wimbledon.”
All other formats at Wimbledon remain the same.
The traditional five-set format had been criticized in the past for discouraging more singles specialists from competing in doubles.
Wimbledon was the only grand slam tournament to play five-set doubles, but will now align with the Australian Open, French Open and US open.
“The decision has been taken after wide consultation and the change brings Wimbledon in line with the other grand slams that host men’s doubles in a best-of-three format,” the AELTC said in a statement.
“This update will provide the referee’s office with greater certainty when planning matches during the event and we hope it will encourage even more players to participate in doubles at Wimbledon.”
All other formats at Wimbledon remain the same.
