In response to the grievances voiced by several players in 2023, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) have jointly announced a series of new rules aimed at addressing the issue of late-night matches and inconsistent use of tennis balls at tour events. These changes, set to take effect in January, come as a result of the significant increase in the duration of matches and its negative impact on both players and fans.
Recognizing the adverse effects of late-night matches on players’ well-being and fan experience, the WTA and ATP have taken a proactive stance by implementing strict regulations. To limit the prevalence of matches that extend beyond midnight, the organizations have set a cap of five matches per court. Additionally, matches will not be allowed to commence after 11 p.m. unless explicitly approved by a supervisor. In cases where matches are delayed, a viable alternative court that has not started any matches before 10:30 p.m. will be designated. Furthermore, the new guidelines mandate that night sessions cannot begin later than 7:30 p.m., with a suggested start time of 6:30 p.m. These changes will be initially implemented on a trial basis for the duration of the season and will undergo evaluation at the end of the year.
In addition to concerns about late-night matches, players have brought attention to the inconsistency in the use of tennis balls across different tournaments. Currently, individual tournaments have the autonomy to select the brand and type of balls used, resulting in a wide array of choices. To alleviate this issue, the WTA and ATP have announced a strategic review to evaluate the current practices. The aim of this review is to establish a more uniform and centralized approach regarding the selection of tennis balls throughout tournament swings, ensuring greater ball consistency for players. While no specific timeline has been provided for this review, the joint statement emphasizes the importance of this matter and its prioritization on the tennis associations’ agendas.
The responsiveness of the WTA and ATP to the concerns expressed by players regarding both late-night matches and ball consistency is commendable. Leading tennis professionals such as Taylor Fritz, Daniil Medvedev, Marketa Vondrousova, and Stan Wawrinka have all spoken out about these issues in 2023. Taylor Fritz, in particular, took to social media to share his frustrations regarding wrist injuries caused by the frequent changes in tennis balls during the US Open series. The WTA and ATP’s willingness to address players’ concerns reflects their commitment to ensuring the overall well-being of athletes and enhancing the fan experience.
The introduction of new rules by the WTA and ATP signifies their proactive approach in rectifying the challenges faced in professional tennis. By limiting late-night matches and taking steps towards standardizing ball selection, these measures prioritize the health of players and ensure a more consistent experience for both athletes and fans. With these changes set to be implemented from January onward, the WTA and ATP demonstrate their adaptability and commitment to meet the demands of the modern game.
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