Several rule changes have been implemented in tennis over the past few years.
The 2025 season was the first in which off-court coaching was allowed, with players’ teams now able to issue advice either verbally or via hand signals at any time except during a point.
Electronic line-calling has been added to almost every big tournament on the ATP and WTA tours; Roland Garros being the only exception.
If you could change one rule in tennis what would it be and why?
This season has seen a new heat rule applied to the men’s tour, with cooling breaks now permitted during matches played in extreme conditions.
Players and fans continue to ask for more changes to the sport, and former British number one Kyle Edmund wants to see one rule removed for good.
Kyle Edmund discusses potential rule change in tennis
Speaking on the BBC’s coverage of Wimbledon, Edmund said he would like to see the warm-up removed from matches.
Despite being able to prepare for their match before it starts, players are still given a five-minute warm-up period when they take to the court.
“The one thing I would like to change, just from watching the other sports, is to take out the five-minute warm-up,” said Evans, a former world number 14 and Australian Open semifinalist.
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Draper, Tiafoe, Mensik, Jodar, or someone else?
“I know it’s probably not going to happen, but I think there’s something to be said for when you come on court, you spin who serves, and then you play.
“I know they trialled it at the Next Gen finals in the last few years, but I’d love to see that on the pro circuit. I think it would make such a difference.”
The rules at the Next Gen ATP Finals
The Next Gen ATP Finals, which showcases the world’s best top 20-and-under players at the end of the season, has trialled several innovative rules since its inception.
Each set is first to four games at the event, with a no-Ad scoring format used if a game gets to deuce.
There is no change of ends after the first game of the match, and there is just a three-minute warm-up allowed prior.
Free movement is allowed in the stands for the first three games of a match, and after the first three games, fans are allowed to move freely except for limited areas behind the baseline in direct player view.
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