Press Release by the Grand Slam Board regarding 2018 rule amendments and trials

The press release by the Grand Slam Board regarding the 2018 rule amendments and trials

GRAND SLAM Press Release,

November 21, 2017

The Grand Slam Board (“GSB”) completed two days of Meetings in London on November 15-16.  A significant portion of the GSB Agenda concerned possible Grand Slam Rule amendments and trials in 2018:

  • It was unanimously agreed to support 2018 Australian Open’s application to the ITF for a waiver of the 20 seconds between points required by the Rules of Tennis, in order to allow for enforcement of a strict 25 seconds utilizing a “serve/shot clock” system in line with that trialed at the 2017 US Open.
  • The timing of the pre-match warm-up will be strictly enforced (1 minute after walk-on to be ready for the pre-match meeting, followed by the 5 minute warm-up, then 1 minute to be ready to start the match). Violation of this timing may subject a player to a fine up to $20,000.
  • Any Main Draw singles player who is unfit to play and who withdraws on-site after 12:00 noon on Thursday before the start of the Main Draw will now receive 50% of the First Round Prize Money in 2018.  The replacement Lucky Loser will receive the remaining 50% plus any additional prize money earned thereafter.
  • Any player who competes in the First Round Main Draw singles and retires or performs below professional standards, may now be subject to a fine up to First Round Prize Money in 2018.
  • The 2018 Grand Slam tournaments will continue with 32 seeds in singles and intend to revert to 16 seeds in 2019.

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