Aussie great 'heartbroken' by Wimbledon change

2 years ago 60

Australian doubles fable Todd Woodbridge said he's 'heartbroken' by the All England Club's determination to trim men's doubles matches astatine Wimbledon from champion of 5 sets down to champion of three.

The decision, which the nine announced this week, brings Wimbledon into enactment with the different 3 expansive slams.

Woodbridge, who won 9 Wimbledon crowns - six with semipermanent doubles spouse Mark Woodforde and 3 much with Swede Jonas Björkman - said helium wouldn't person arsenic galore championships arsenic helium does if they lone played 3 sets.

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"For me, it's a small heartbreaking due to the fact that I americium a existent traditionalist," helium said connected Nine's Australian Open coverage.

"I genuinely judge of each the titles the Woodies won and I went connected to triumph with Jonas Björkman, I astir apt wouldn't person won arsenic galore if it was implicit 3 sets.

"Five sets lets the champion squad triumph mostly successful that situation."

Also connected the sheet were American doubles champions the Bryan Brothers, Mike and Bob. Mike said helium believed writer should stay astatine 5 sets.

The brothers - who themselves won 3 Wimbledon titles - were knocked retired of the 2004 Wimbledon lawsuit successful the 3rd circular erstwhile upwind forced the tourney to beryllium reduced to champion of 3 sets done to the semi finals.

"We similar a longer illustration size, particularly connected grass, it's pugnacious to interruption service connected a slick surface," helium said.

"I deliberation for the large doubles teams, you conscionable privation longer - a 3 retired of 5 format."

The All England Club said the simplification could pull much players to participate the doubles contention astatine Wimbledon.

It besides provides the referee's bureau "with greater certainty erstwhile scheduling matches during the event," the nine said successful a statement.

Matthew Ebden and Max Purcell won the men's doubles rubric astatine Wimbledon past July, defeating Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic 7-6 (5), 6-7 (3), 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (10-2).

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