The United Cup is set to introduce tactical timeouts during mixed-doubles matches at the ATP-WTA season opener, a first for the sport of tennis.
The new rule will permit a player or captain to call a 60-second timeout to confer on strategy by pressing a large red buzzer in the team zone courtside.
However, there are specific parameters in place for this innovative rule.
Timeouts can only be called while serving, and not in between the first and second serves. Each team is permitted a maximum of one timeout per match, ensuring that the pace of the game remains largely unaffected.
They will not be used during singles clashes.
“Timeouts initiate a pause in play, it’s a time for teams to discuss tactics and strategy and potentially change the momentum of a match,” said United Cup tournament director Stephen Farrow.
“We’re excited to see how the best tennis players in the world and their teams utilise this new tool,” Farrow added.
The 18-team United Cup kicks off the 2025 season from December 27 to January 5 in Perth and Sydney ahead of the Australian Open Grand Slam in Melbourne.
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Each participating team will consist of three male and three female players, with competition ties including one men’s singles, one women’s singles, and a critical mixed-doubles match that could determine the overall outcome.
A host of the world’s top players have signed up, including Iga Swiatek and Alexander Zverev.
