What’s The Call?

By Denny Mallast
USTA Official

We’re at that time of the year when State USA League Championships are being played.  For those teams that had successful seasons and are now preparing for State, they will encounter the 3rd set “10-point Match Tiebreak”.   This is used in lieu of the deciding final set.  The USTA endorsed this format several years ago.  Initially, they referred to this abbreviated system as the “Match Tiebreak”; it then took on another name – “Super Tiebreak”, this term had a short existence and it has since returned to its’ former name of  “Match Tiebreak”.  One may ask; “Just what is the 10-point Match Tiebreak & what do I need to know when playing this format?” 

What’s The Call?

Ruling:  It is important to understand, that you are entitled to a full 2-minute break after splitting sets & before the start of the “Match Tiebreak”.  Keep in mind; this tiebreak is treated as a set.  There is no coaching between the 2nd set and the 10 pt. Match Tiebreak.

Service Order:  The player (if it’s a singles match) or team (if it’s a doubles match) whose turn it was to serve first if a full set was played starts serving.  A doubles team may choose to have their stronger server begin the tiebreak regardless if that player was the last to serve for their team in the previous set.

Receiving Positions:  A doubles team may change receiving positions at the start of a Match Tiebreak.

Change of Ends:  Players change ends at the start of a Match Tiebreak only if an odd-game changeover is due. i.e. the 2nd set ended with a score of 6-1; 6-3; or 7-6.  During the Match Tiebreak, players change ends after every six points.  i.e. 4-2; 7-5; 9-9; 12-12.

Rest Periods:  After the players take the 120 seconds before the start of the Match Tiebreak, play will be continuous.  There is no rest period during the change of ends that occur during the tiebreak.

Recording the Tiebreak Score:  When a Match Tiebreak set is played in lieu of the 3rd set, the Tiebreak score is recorded 1-0 (x) with “x” being the number of points won by the loser of the tiebreak.  i.e. 1-0 (9) means the Match Tiebreak score was 11-9.  

The best of luck is extended to all teams who qualified for this year’s USA League State Championships.  A reminder to these teams is to practice the Match Tiebreak format before leaving for State Tournaments.  The more you practice, the better prepared and more comfortable you’ll be.