Emma Raducanu (GBR) acknowledges the crowds cheers after she won against Sorana Cirstea (ROU) in the third round of the Ladies' Singles on No.1 Court at The Championships 2021. Held at The All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon. Day 6 Saturday 03/07/2021: Credit: AELTC/Ben Queenborough
Wimbledon officials have bowed to reality and reduced the men’s doubles format from best-of-five sets to best-of-three for July’s edition.
And the change has former ace Todd Woodbridge somewhat distraught, with the Australian decrying the news to the Nine Network at the Australian Open.
The change after 138 years brings Wimbledon into line with the other three Grand Slams in terms of format.
“It’s a little heartbreaking, I am a real traditionalist,” Woodbridge, who won six All England Club doubles crowns with Mark Woodforde and another three with Jonas Bjorkman, said.
“I truly believe of all the titles the Woodies won and I went on to win with Jonas Bjorkman, I probably wouldn’t have won as many if it was over three sets.
“Five sets lets the best team win generally in that situation.”
Wimbledon made the move after the men’s doubles final last summer took more than four hours to complete in the best-of-five format.
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