New rules introduced to shorten men's doubles matches

Updated: January 9, 2006, 3:02 AM ET
Reuters

SYDNEY, Jan 9 - The governing body for men's tennis has introduced new rules to shorten doubles matches.

They include replacing deciding third sets with a tie-break and eliminating the advantage rule on deuce games.

If matches are locked at one set each, opposing teams now play a first to 10 tie-break, with a two point advantage.

Whenever games go to deuce, the winner of the next point wins the game, although the receiving team can decide which player receives the serve.

The rules are being implemented at ATP and ATP Challenger events but not at grand slams. The Women's Tennis Association have not changed their rules.

The ATP said the changes were designed to help tournament officials and TV broadcasters with their scheduling because the duration of matches is easier to predict.

This story is from ESPN.com's automated news wire. Wire index

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