Adelaide to Pioneer round-robin format in 2007

The Next Generation Adelaide International will be the first tournament to trial the ATP’s new round-robin format in 2007, tournament organisers announced today.

In a move that benefits players, spectators, sponsors and the media, the Adelaide International will stage a 32-player hybrid format round-robin over eight days, with the tournament commencing one day earlier – Sunday 31 December – and running until Sunday 7 January.

Co-tournament director Peter Johnston said, “As one of the opening tournaments of the tennis year, Mark [Woodforde] and I believe the Adelaide International is perfectly placed to pioneer this initiative. These bold changes show our dedication to making the game even more exciting.

“The tournament’s fans will receive fantastic value for money, with the opportunity to see the top players playing more than once. We can now showcase the game over eight days – beginning on a Sunday – in a format where every match counts.

“For the players coming off their end of season break, the first match back is always tough. Now they know that they’ll be assured of at least two matches during the crucial build-up period to the Australian Open,” Johnston said.

Brad Drewett, CEO, ATP International Group said, “We are very excited that Adelaide will be the first ATP tournament to trial a round-robin format. The ATP believes Adelaide is the ideal event to test the 32 Player Round Robin format. We are confident this new initiative will allow the tournament organisers to develop a more predictable match schedule allowing for greater tournament promotion, while tennis fans in Adelaide will get to the chance to see the top players play more than once.”

Steve Wood, CEO of Tennis Australia said, “Whether it's the sliding roof at Rod Laver Arena, or HawkEye's introduction at last year's Hyundai Hopman Cup, Australia has a history of innovation in tennis.

“The ATP's decision to trial this 32-player round-robin format here in Australia, with its guarantee of more matches for the top players, adds further value to our Australian Open Series and fits well with Tennis Australia's objective of finding new ways to make our sport even more appealing to fans.”

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