Final set tiebreaks at Australian Open 2019
The Australian Open will no longer play advantage final sets.
As from AO 2019 the final set will be decided after six-games-all with the longer of the tiebreak formats – first to 10-points.
The decision comes following the most extensive consultation in the tournament’s history.
“We asked the players – both past and present, commentators, agents and TV analysts whether they wanted to play an advantage final set or not, and went from there,” Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley said.
“We went with a 10-point tiebreak at six-games-all in the final set to ensure the fans still get a special finale to these often epic contests, with the longer tiebreak still then allowing for that one final twist or change of momentum in the contest. This longer tiebreak also can lessen some of the serving dominance that can prevail in the shorter tiebreak.
“We believe this is the best possible outcome for both the players and the fans around the world,” Tiley continued.
The event format for Australian Open 2019 are as below:
| Draw | Format |
| Men’s singles main draw | · Best-of-five tiebreak sets.
· The first-four sets seven-point tiebreak at six-games-all. · The final set 10-point tiebreak at six-games-all. |
| Women’s singles main draw
Men’s and Women’s qualifying Men’s and Women’s doubles Junior qualifying and singles Men’s and Women’s wheelchair singles Quad singles
|
· Best-of three-tiebreak sets.
· The first-two sets seven-point tiebreak at six-games-all. · The final set 10-point tiebreak at six-games-all. |
| Mixed doubles
Junior doubles Men’s and Women’s wheelchair doubles Quad doubles
|
· Best-of-two tiebreak sets.
· The first-two sets seven-point tiebreak at six-games-all. · A 10-point match tiebreak for the third set. |
| Legends
|
· FAST4 |
Australian Open 2019, presented by Kia Motors in association with ANZ, Luzhou Laojiao and Rolex, will take place at Melbourne Park from 14-27 January.
