Holger Rune has faced criticism from tennis fans for his call the change the scoring system.
World No. 6 Rune has made a strong start at this year's
Wimbledon, defeating George Loffhagen 7-6(4), 6-3, 6-2 in his opening match at the Grand Slam. He won the first set in a tiebreak on Tuesday, July 4, but had to wait until the next day to claim victory as it was one of many matches suspended due to rain.
Nevertheless, the Dane played well throughout. However, his post-match comments caused some anger among fans.
Rune vs. the scoring system
In his post-match press conference, Rune was asked what he would change about the sport if he had the chance. In his reply, Rune made it clear that he would change the deuce system, removing advantage scoring to shorten the games and make matches more entertaining for spectators,
"No ad-scoring at 40 at all. To make it, like, more interesting for the fans I think. There's more exciting points. Also it will shorten the matches, which is also better for the fans. Make it more, like, intense."
Fans not happy with idea
Many fans took issue with Rune's idea, voicing their anger on social media. One Twitter user wrote,
"I keep trying to like this kid but he makes it so damn hard".
Another accused the 20-year-old of wanting to change the scoring system in order to give himself an advantage on the court, writing
"Kid who struggles with fatigue wants to play less points. News at 10".
Meanwhile, others were quick to defend the current deuce system, with one saying they "Love the drama of long games", whilst another called advantage points "one of the very best elements of tennis" before noting "That tennis has no clock and is, at its core, a battle of wills and attrition is its USP."
Sixth seed Rune will face Spain's
Roberto Carballes Baena in his second-round match at Wimbledon on Friday, July 7.