Australian Open Considers Final-Set Tiebreak

The Australian Open is considering adopting a final-set tiebreak—with a super twist.The Melbourne major has gained permission from the Grand Slam board to implement a final-set tiebreak when the score reaches 6-6 reports The Times’ Stuart Fraser.Watch: Top 5 Break-Ups of 2018A final-set tiebreak will be a first-to-10 point super tiebreak in Melbourne, rather than the first-to-seven point final-set tie break, which is the US Open rule.The Times reports the Australian Open could implement the super tiebreak next month or could opt to play-test the rule first, then elicit player feedback before deciding on enacting a rule change.The 2019 Australian Open is set for January 14-27th.

Should the Australian Open make the change it would mean all four Grand Slams would feature four different final-set rules.Roland Garros does not employ a final-set tiebreak, Wimbledon announced it will adopt a first-to-seven point final-set tiebreak when the score reaches 12-12 and the US Open features a first-to-seven point final set tiebreak when the score is 6-all.Photo credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve
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Chris Oddo is a freelance sportswriter, podcaster, blogger and social media marker who is a lead contributor to Tennisnow.com. He also writes for USOpen.org, Rolandgarros.com, BNPParibasOpen.com, TennisTV.com, WTAtennis.com and the official US Open program.