ITF

ITFWorld // SPRING 2019 17 In April, the ITF announced changes to match formats for the Olympic Tennis Event, with the men's singles gold medal match now to be played as best-of-three tiebreak sets rather than best-of-five sets. The change to the men's singles final aligns with the other matches in the men's and women's singles events, all of which are played as best-of-three tiebreak sets. A further change has been announced for doubles events, with men's and women's doubles matches now to feature a match tiebreak to 10 points when the score is tied at one-set all. This format is already in use in the mixed doubles event. The ITF's decision-making process which led to these amendments included gathering feedback from players, former Olympians, tournament directors and officials. The players and team captains raised the issue of a congested schedule at Rio 2016. Taking this feedback into consideration, the ITF Olympic Committee presented a motion to the ITF Board for review and approval. The decision was taken bearing in mind that the Olympic Tennis Event takes place over nine days and numerous players have indicated their desire to compete in all three events for the chance to win three medals. These changes are designed for consistency, player welfare and to ensure players can achieve their goals as they compete for their nation on the largest and most iconic global sports stage in the world. Inside the Ariake Coliseum, which will be the main court during the Olympic Tennis Event "We are very happy to share with readers of ITFWorld that preparations for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 are going very well. "We will host 33 sports and 339 events during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, the largest numbers in Olympic history. New sporting venues are being constructed and existing facilities upgraded to provide improved environments for both athletes and spectators. "Tennis matches will take place at Ariake Tennis Park, which is considered the home of tennis in Japan. The Ariake, Odaiba, and Aomi areas of Tokyo will be developed as locations where the wider public will be able to experience and enjoy the Games. "This sporting event – the world's biggest – is supported by the efforts of many, and we are engaging people from all walks of life to help with preparations. For instance, the Tokyo 2020 Medal Project involved the donation of over five million used mobile phones by the public across Japan; precious metals recycled from these are being used to manufacture athletes' medals, in the process drawing attention to the importance of sustainability. "Additionally, the designs of the Tokyo 2020 mascots were selected by the votes of elementary school students. Furthermore, we were very happy to have received more than 200,000 applications for volunteers during the Games as of January 2019. These projects have offered the public opportunities to become involved in preparations. This and the support of sports fans will be key factors in the Games' success. "We will keep working hard, preparing for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games to ensure they will be an enjoyable and precious experience for all athletes, fans, volunteers and staff." Masa Takaya, spokesperson for Tokyo 2020, gives ITFWorld his view from the ground "Tokyo 2020 Medal Project involved the donation of over five million used mobile phones by the public across Japan; precious metals recycled from these are being used to manufacture athletes' medals." M A S A T A K A Y A T O K Y O O LY M P I C S The Olympic Village under construction ITF announces changes to Olympic Tennis Event ahead of Tokyo 2020

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