Australian Open to follow Wimbledon by introducing final-set tie-breaks

By Art de Roché

Image: Roger Federer won the 2018 Australian Open

The Australian Open is set to follow Wimbledon and introduce final-set tie-breaks.

The change could be introduced in time for the 2019 tournament in January.

However, while at Wimbledon the final-set tie-break is to take place when the score reaches 12-12 in games, in Melbourne they plan to go to a tie-break at 6-6.

The 'super tie-break' will be won by the first player to reach 10 points, with a margin of two.

If Tennis Australia implement this format, it would mean all four majors will operate on slightly different scoring systems.

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Players are reportedly being consulted about whether to introduce the 'super tie-break' from 2019 in Australia or trial it during qualifying and junior matches, with a final decision to be made later.

Tennis Australia are seeking to decrease the amount of long-lasting matches during the Open and the move might also help with scheduling, as matches can currently start close to midnight under the current rules.

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