Changes Made To Scoring Of WTA Matches As Frantic Friday Beckons In Melbourne

Melbourne Park is set to have one of its busiest days on Friday after Tennis Australia outlined their order of play which aims to get all tournaments back on track.

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Full order of play ATP/WTA singles and doubles tournaments ATP CUP

A series of WTA and ATP events had to be paused for 24 hours following confirmation of a positive COVID-19 from somebody who worked at the Grand Hyatt hotel. One of the venues previously used by Tennis Australia in their 14-day quarantine program. As a result, 507 people linked to the Australian Open, including 160 players, have been placed in temporary isolation until they have a new test. Once they have a negative result they are allowed to leave.

Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley has insisted that the disruption will not lead to next week’s Grand Slam taking place later than planned. However, it has resulted in a race against time to get all the build-up events completed by Sunday.

Outlining their plans for the various events, which are all being held in Melbourne Park, some players will be required to play two matches within the same day tomorrow. Furthermore, the WTA has confirmed a change to their scoring format with the third set being replaced with a 10-point tiebreak. However, the ATP will continue to use the best-of-three format.

On the Margaret Court Arena, which has a roof, officials intend to hold a total of eight women’s matches featuring the likes of Ash Barty, Simona Halep, Sofia Kenin and Naomi Osaka.

It is on the men’s tour where players could have to play two matches if they wish to stay within title contention. For example top seed Stan Wawrinka will play Alex Bolt in the third round of the Murray River Open. If he wins, he will play Jeremy Chardy or Taylor Fritz later in the day.

As for the ATP Cup, the order of play has confirmed that Rafael Nadal will once again not be playing. The Spaniard has been struggling with a stiff back throughout this week. Spain will take on Greece on the John Cain Arena during the morning. At the same time Germany lock horns with Serbia on the Rod Laver Arena. Meanwhile, Austria plays France in the evening.