Alexander Zverev slammed the Australian Open for adopting a final-set tiebreak without consulting the players first.
The Melbourne major will debut the final-set tiebreak next month and Zverev isn't happy about it.
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"We weren’t (consulted) at all. I don’t think any players were (asked), to be honest,” Zverev told The Australian newspaper. "I don’t like the change too much because I think it has something special when you go 12-10 in the fifth set, or something like that. I really enjoyed those kind of situations, really enjoy those kind of matches, even though they are physically tough."
The Australian Open will join Wimbledon adopting a final-set tiebreak next year. Australian Open final sets will be decided after six-games-all with the longer of the tiebreak formats—first to 10 points.
The ATP currently uses the first-to-10 point super tiebreak in lieu of a final set in Tour-level doubles matches.
Tournament director Craig Tiley announced the decision following what Tennis Australia calls "the most extensive consultation in the tournament’s history."
The move means Roland Garros is the only Grand Slam that will not use a final-set tiebreak.
Zverev, who is partnering Angelique Kerber at next week's Hopman Cup, said adding final-set tiebreaks diminishes Grand Slam tradition.
"These are the things we play for, and now, at every Grand Slam except for Roland Garros, there is a tiebreak, which I am not in favor of," Zverev said.
Photo credit: @ATP World Tour