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.”
AELTC announces introduction of final set tie-break for The Championships 2019: https://t.co/r0uPDEABn5#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/PHsgliAwTF
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) October 19, 2018
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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thoughts?
A sensible idea!
I’d prefer 9 all, but it’s a lot better than staying with the current +2 rule. The “winner” of one of those marathon matches has virtually no chance of being fit to play his next match.
During the USO Darren Cahill said he thought the AO was going to change to a tb at 6 all in the 5th set.
Rule should be the same for all Slams ideally.But I understand Wimby tradtions ,
but something needs to change.What about 6-6 final set, having a deciding point at deuce like in doubles?
Rule should be the same for all Slams. But, Wimbledon tradition and all that, I understand they want their own rule. What about , when it gets to 6-6 final set, have a deciding point at deuce like in the doubles ?Then let it play out to 12-12 .
sorry ignore 11.40 post . I meant doing away with advantage at 6-6 final set and at 12-12, have a normal tiebreak.