Thirty30 Tennis – John Lloyd – Play Shorter Matches

Former British No. 1 and Davis Cup Captain, John Lloyd wrote an article ‘A message to the slowcoaches – your time is up’ for the Mail on Sunday last weekend.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-5929297/Wimbledon-clamp-time-wasters-shot-clock.html

Below is an excerpt from the article where some interesting points are highlighted in bold:

‘There is huge competition now in entertainment and in tennis we have to do whatever it takes to keep our sport as relevant as it is. And slow play, there is no question about it, spectators hate it and it has got to be changed.

Another way in which I think we can improve the show is to shorten it! I think best of five sets is too long now.

If matches were best of three at Wimbledon and the other Grand Slams, the top players would know they have to come out of the starting blocks quickly in every match, which would be more exciting for the spectators.

I don’t think tennis should necessarily be about a marathon. Andy Murray has said it should come down to a physical test and how hard you’ve worked — why? You’ve still got to be in great shape to win a tournament of seven best of three matches.

I don’t see what the fuss is about. You cannot tell me that best of five matches are more entertaining than best of three because I don’t believe that.

I think best of three produces higher quality tennis because the players can’t afford a dip.

Tennis matches should be no more than two-and-a-half hours. I don’t believe anyone, unless they are a true tennis nut, sits through four hours straight.’

Thirty30 Comment

Thirty30 does not agree with John’s thinking “that best of 5 sets is too long now” for the Grand Slams (men’s singles).

The Grand Slams provide the ultimate test for the best players in the world and playing best of 5 sets should remain.

The majority of the best men’s matches ever played have been 5 set epics. Who can ever forget the titanic tussle played out on Centre Court in 2008 between Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer.

Best of 5 sets with traditional scoring should remain for the Grand Slam events.

During other tennis competitions, I do agree with John that “Tennis matches should be no more than two-and-a-half hours. I don’t believe anyone, unless they are a true tennis nut, sits through four hours straight.”

John makes some other good points:

(1) There is huge competition now in entertainment and in tennis we have to do whatever it takes to keep our sport as relevant as it is.

(2) Another way in which I think we can improve the show is to shorten it!

(3) … the top players would know they have to come out of the starting blocks quickly in every match, which would be more exciting for the spectators.

(4) I think best of three produces higher quality tennis because the players can’t afford a dip.

The alternative Thirty30 tennis scoring method, where every game starts at 30-30 (30-all), can achieve all these 4 points.

Thirty30 makes the sport of tennis more relevant to today’s world where attention spans are getting shorter.

Thirty30 shortens matches – a set takes no longer than 20 minutes and a best of 5 sets match is completed in 60 to 90 minutes, improving the show.

Thirty30 requires 100% focus from the start and throughout the match – every second point is a game point, making it more exciting.

Thirty30 ensures players can’t afford a dip in form ensuring higher quality tennis.

Thirty30 Tennis – Have You Tried It Yet?