ATP Council chiefs are set to introduce a 15-second shot clock in men's doubles at the Madrid Open in an effort to revitalize the format and engage fans. The move comes as part of a broader initiative to address the issue of 'dead time' in tennis matches, particularly in doubles competitions.
The 25-second rule between points, implemented in 2018 to speed up service games, has not fully addressed the problem of prolonged breaks between points. To combat this, changes such as fewer sit-downs, quicker changeovers, and increased movement access for fans during play are being considered.
