Tennis-Freedom of movement trial proving popular for fans

LONDON (Reuters) – The days of tennis fans missing the action while waiting patiently in queues to retake their seats could become a thing of the past with a trial to allow more freedom of movement during ATP Tour events proving popular.

As one of several moves to create an enhanced fan experience and bring tennis in line with other sports, draconian rules governing the flow of fans were relaxed during the summer by both the ATP and WTA Tours.

So far the trial, which allows fans to take their seats before changeovers during the first five games of a match, apart from those directly behind the players, has received “positive feedback” according to the ATP.

“This trial, running through the end of the year, aims to enhance the fan experience without disrupting the flow of the match or player focus,” Ross Hutchins, ATP Chief Sporting Officer, said in a statement.

“Fans are allowed to enter the stadium after each of the first five games in every set, excluding areas behind the baselines. A review will be conducted at the end of the year to assess the impact before deciding on next steps.”

Previously fans who wanted to buy food, a beer or have a toilet break in between matches were often faced with then missing a sizeable chunk of the following match as they waited for the next changeover to be allowed back in.

Tennis’s strict rules over fan movement have often left fans and pundits frustrated, especially as players are well used to playing in raucous atmospheres like the ones at Davis Cup events and at the U.S. Open where “quiet please” pleas from the umpires more often than not fall on deaf ears.

This year’s U.S. Open relaxed the rules even more, allowing ticket holders in certain sections of every court to move around at will, even during points.

Most players who were asked for their opinion said fans moving around did not impact them at all.

“I noticed it, but once the point starts, I don’t notice it,” rising American Ben Shelton said. “I guess with college tennis I’ve played, you know, this UTS Tour, as well, there’s a lot of situations where I’ve been in that’s a lot crazier than a couple of people walking with drinks back to their seat.”

(Reporting by Martyn Herman; Editing by Toby Davis)