Wimbledon tennis tie-break rules explained: How new final-set decider for 2019 works

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Standard Sport24 June 2019

Wimbledon's marathon matches are a thing of the past.

From this summer, all contests at SW19 will be decided by final-set tie-breaks should the score reach 12-12.

The new rule will apply to all men’s and women’s singles, doubles and junior matches but wheelchair and quad wheelchair contests will remain as best-of-three tie-break sets.

Here's everything you need to know...

Why introduce a final-set tie-break?

The change was prompted by Kevin Anderson and John Isner playing out a six-and-a-half-hour semi-final in 2019, the final set of which ended 26-24 after three hours.

The delayed finish saw the women's Final between Serena Williams and Angelique Kerber be pushed back by two hours, prompting the former to describe the rescheduling as a "necessary evil".

Anderson faced Novak Djokovic in the men's Final less than 48 hours after leaving court and was easily dispatched in straight sets in a poor showpiece spectacle.

One of the most famous matches in Wimbledon history saw Isner, again involved, beat Nicolas Mahut 70-68 in the fifth set in 2010.

How does a tie-break work?

Once the final set—third in a women's match and fifth in a men's—reaches 12-12, a tie-break is triggered.

The player who was due on serve for the next 25th game of the set, serves first in the tie-break. Then the opponent serves the next two points, then it rotates every other point. The players change end every six points.

From there, the first player to win seven points wins the tie-break and the set. If the score reaches six-all, the first player to win two points in a row wins.

In Pictures | Wimbledon moments through the years

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Why is the tie-break set at 12-12?

A tie-break is traditionally triggered when the score reaches 6-6 in the final set. However, at Wimbledon, it will be 12-12.

The All England Club chairman, Philip Brook, defended the decision, saying: “While we know the instances of matches extending deep into the final set are rare, we feel that a tie-break at 12-12 strikes an equitable balance between allowing players ample opportunity to complete the match to advantage, while also providing certainty that the match will reach a conclusion in an acceptable timeframe.”

Jamie Murray, who has won six grand slam doubles titles, has previously stated his preference for a final-set tie-break, though at 6-6 rather than the double score.

"I think tennis is long enough,” he said. “By 6-6 in the fifth set ... the players have played enough tennis, the fans have seen enough tennis, TVs seen enough of that match. A tie-break is enough so it doesn’t get out of control and mess up schedules, mess up players’ next rounds, mess up draws and things like that."

Getty Images

Wimbledon's longest matches

1) John Isner 6-4 3-6 6-7(7) 7-6(3) 70-68 Nicolas Mahut after 11hrs 5 mins, Wimbledon 2010 first round

2) Kevin Anderson 7-6(6) 6-7(5) 6-7(9) 6-4 26-24 John Isner after 6hrs 36mins, Wimbledon 2018 semi-final

3) Marin Cilic 7-6(6) 6-4 6-7(2) 6-7(3) 17-15 Sam Querrey after 5hrs 31mins, Wimbledon 2012 third round

4) Greg Holmes 5-7 6-4 7-6(5) 4-6 14-12 Todd Witsken after 5hrs 28mins, Wimbledon 1989 second round

5) Pancho Gonzales 22-24 1-6 16-14 6-3 11-9 Charlie Pasarell after 5hrs 12mins, Wimbledon 1969 first round

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