Wimbledon confirms drastic final-set rule change after marathon matches

Wimbledon
Kevin Anderson and John Isner Wimbledon scoreboard

The days of never-ending final-set matches at Wimbledon are over after chiefs opted to introduce a tie-breaker.

The decision comes on the back of this year’s marathon semi-final between Kevin Anderson and John Isner that took six hours and 36 minutes to complete with the South African winning the final set 26-24 in two hours and 50 minutes.

Many players and commentators called for change after the match and Wimbledon has given in.

As of 2019, the final set will go to a tie-break at 12-12.

“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 time frame,” All England Lawn Tennis Club chairman Philip Brook said.

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