Suggested by Steve Hunt: Championship tie break third set decider for the North Devon Tennis League

Until I started playing in the North Devon tennis league I had never before played a tennis match which ends at one set all! No tournaments would ever reach a conclusion! This gives no practice in trying to close out a match which is the essence of competitive tennis.

Watching the recent wonderful tarka challenger it was interesting to see that the scoring system for doubles has changed to make it more exciting.We could so easily adopt this in our league. Matches would not go on forever and there would be a definitive result.

Two tie break sets with a 10 point championship tie break third set decider. The key change being sudden death deuces.

6pts per match.If you win in straight sets you get all 6pts. If you win on the deciding 3rd set tie break you get 4pts and loser 2pts. Total of 24pts per match. Easy!

Posted By : John Walsh on 2007-11-12 11:35:53

The overiding principle of tennis matches should be to have a winner. The league is for competitive matches and the majority of tennis leagues give points only for wins.

If you like draws - play cricket!

If light is the issue - shorten the scoring system but still have a winner: eg tie break at 4-4 in each of first two sets + C/TB. My preference is for 2 6-6 sets + C/TB. For clubs with no lights, try starting earlier or having your home matches mid-season.

Posted By : shawn on 2007-11-12 01:33:07

Excellent idea Could make league positions more competitive and justified

Posted By : Marian Vinall on 2007-11-09 05:56:32

Definitely go for the championship tie break as we now play it in all the other tournaments in North Devon and has worked well. I don't think sudden death deuce should be used though because the season and the matches are quite short anyway so why curtail them even more

Posted By : Hannah Miller on 2007-11-09 04:46:07

I feel by not having a third set you are not finishing your match to have an end result of a win not just a draw. I agree that the North Devon League needs a 3rd set! Lets do the change!

Posted By : Lakey on 2007-11-08 03:35:37

sounds good...especially as if you lose the first set and win the second you feel the jobs only half done and obviously a win feels better than a draw. It gives extra motivation as well to clubs, as you know big margins can be made between you and surrounding teams. go for it.

Posted By : Sam Koval on 2007-11-05 11:14:57

I think having a third set is crucial as its very frustrating to get back in a game (ie win the 2nd set) and not have the chance to win the match! For our league a 10 point championship tie break third set would be ideal. I don't think we need the excitement of sudden death dueces! playing in the North Devon league provides more than enough!!