Tennis stars fume as new ATP rules set to be trialled at Madrid Masters
The ATP Tour is set to test a new doubles format at the Madrid Open.
A former Wimbledon champion has lashed out at proposed changes for ATP doubles players set to be trialled at the Madrid Open. More singles players will be given places in the draw while new rules will be introduced to speed up the matches, including quicker changeovers. But Max Purcell isn’t happy with what he believes is a “f*** up”.
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The ATP doubles tour is about to get an overhaul, with a new format getting its first outing at the upcoming Masters 1000 in Madrid. The schedule will be reduced across the 12-day tournament, with the doubles event staged from Tuesday to Saturday in the second week.
In the 32-team draw, 16 slots will be reserved for teams entering via their singles ranking. There will also be a reduced shot clock, with just 15 second in between points following rallies that are shorter than four shots, quicker changeovers with fewer sit-down, and free fan movement during play.
Format changes will also be tested at other select events this season. The ATP said the trial “follows extensive review and consultation with fans, broadcasters and stakeholders within tennis” with the process “spearheaded by a dedicated doubles working group, established in 2023, featuring both player and tournament representatives and ATP staff.”
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However, one top doubles player in Purcell has made his feelings clear about the plans. The ATP shared a post to Instagram promoting the new innovations and Purcell commented: “More f***upary nonsense,” adding a laughing emoji.
Purcell is the current world No. 30 in doubles and plays alongside fellow Australian Jordan Thompson. They have already won two titles this year - Dallas and Los Cabos. But Purcell’s biggest doubles title came at Wimbledon in 2022 alongside Matt Ebden.
It makes Purcell’s criticisms of the new doubles format even more interesting, as Ebden spoke out in favour of the changes after playing a part in the consultation process. “Doubles has so much to offer fans and the atmosphere it can create when presented in the right way is phenomenal,” Ebden - the president of the ATP Player Advisory Council - said.
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“That said, we as players recognise that more needs to be done to put our best foot forward. I’d like to commend my colleagues from across the ATP for taking this on and adding great new concepts into the mix. A lot of time, thought and care has gone into this process, and it’s been a privilege to play my part.”
Meanwhile, two WTA doubles stars have also had their say on the men’s tour’s plans. “The difference in the shot clock depending on the length of point serves 0 purpose. If you want it shorter, make it 20 seconds overall. 15 vs 25 seconds is going to get really confusing and cause too much trouble,” former world No. 6 Nicole Melichar-Martinez said.
Ellen Perez tweeted: “16 spots for singles players. Doubles specialists are about to lose their spot at a lot of events. Also 15 seconds is wildly fast to get to your partner to discuss and strategize and get back to the net. Shorter changeover time and no lets would be a good starting point imo.”
