Wimbledon changes fifth-set rule for tiebreaker at 12-12

The proverbial John Isner Rule is here–at least at Wimbledon.

Starting in 2019, Wimbledon will become the second of the four Grand Slams to feature a tiebreaker in the fifth set. While the U.S. Open plays it at the traditional 6-6 score, the All-England Club will let fifth sets play out until 12-12 before a tiebreaker would put a merciful end to the proceedings.

“Our view was that the time had come to introduce a tiebreak for matches that had not reached their natural conclusion at a reasonable point during the deciding set,” All-England Lawn and Tennis Center chairman Philip Brook explained. “While we know the instances of matches extending deep into the final set are rare, we feel that a tiebreak 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 time frame.”

This summer at the AELTC, Isner and Kevin Anderson played a semifinal match that ended with Anderson triumphing 26-24 in the fifth set. The six-hour and 35-minute marathon reignited a controversy that began in earnest back in 2010–also involving Isner. That’s when the 6’10” American famously outlasted Nicolas Mahut in a 6-4, 3-6, 6-7(7), 7-6(3), 70-68 extravaganza that lasted 11 hours and five minutes across three different days.

“I’m a proponent of changing that rule, for sure,” Isner indicated following his loss to Anderson. “I think it needs to be done.”

“It’s way beyond a normal tennis match or tactics,” Anderson agreed. “I mean, it’s just who’s going to outlast each other. It’s pretty tough in the format that we have right now, especially at slams. It’s not easy in that setting at the end.”

The 6’8” South African suggested the tiebreaker at 12-12 option during that same post-match press conference.

When told of Anderson’s suggestion, Isner called it “a sensible idea.”

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