Rafael Nadal suggests it’s time for tennis to get out of its comfort zone and make some changes or otherwise the game won’t evolve and keep up with the times.
Over the last decade, many sports have made certain changes and adjustments. And truth be told, tennis has made some changes, like the introduction of a shot clock to speed up the game a bit. But when it comes to rules and the format, tennis has stuck to its traditional rules.
Nadal, who is one of the greatest tennis players of all time and retired from the sport at 38 last year, thinks the way the game is played has drastically changed over the last couple of years and some changes are needed.
Nadal: Unless something changes, you won’t be able to compete against some players
“Tennis has not changed anything in terms of rules throughout its history. People are getting taller and moving better. The serve has a decisive impact. If that power isn’t limited, someone over two meters tall with good mobility will come along, and you won’t be able to compete against them, you won’t be able to get a break. That day, for the moment, has not arrived yet,” the Spaniard said, via Tennis365.
“Djokovic reached a final two days ago; I was competing a year and a half ago… it leads me to think that the change has not yet been so abrupt because we have continued to have a chance of success.”
Some players suggested that using the Fast 4 format could be the way going forward. Some others suggested that allowing the crowd to be more noisy and engaging could also help the game draw younger fans. But so far, the tennis authorities have been reluctant to go that way.
Lately, some tournaments have added a VAR option. For example, if a player feels the ball bounced twice, in some tournaments they have a chance to challenge that.
Tennis has made some minor changes and it will be interesting to see if more major changes will follow.
Tennis World USA