The Grand Slam Board recently completed two days of meetings in London, which took place during the Nitto ATP Finals. Some new rules were established for Grand Slams and they were announced on Tuesday, including a move back to only 16 seeds beginning in 2019.
Among the other rules
– Starting in 2018, 25 seconds between points will be strictly enforced with a “serve/shot clock.”
– Starting in 2018, timing of the pre-match warmup will be strictly enforced. Players must be ready for the pre-match meeting at the net no more than one minute after walking on the court. That will be followed by a five-minute warmup and then one more minute in between the warmup and the beginning of play. Violation of this timing may subject a player to a fine up to $20,000.
– Starting in 2018, any singles player with direct entry into the main draw who is unfit to play and who withdraws on site after 12:00 noon on Thursday before the start of the main draw will now receive 50 percent of the first-round prize money. The replacement lucky loser will receive the remaining 50 percent plus any additional prize money earned thereafter.
– Starting in 2018, any player who competes in the first round of the main draw in singles and retires or performs below professional standards may now be subject to a fine up to the value of first round prize money.
– Starting in 2019, Grand Slams will revert to 16 seeds. In 2018, 32 seeds will remain.
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