Players to be given mid-match ‘timeouts’ as Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff forced to adjust

It will give each team “the opportunity to confer on strategy in addition to the changing of ends.” The player or captain must press a big red button in the team zone to call the timeout.

These can only be called when the player or captain’s team is serving, and the break cannot happen between first and second serves.

There will be a maximum of two timeouts per mixed doubles match – one per team. When the timeout is over, a 25-second shot clock will start counting down for the next point.

Announcing the new rule, tournament director Stephen Farrow said: “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.

“We’re excited to see how the best tennis players in the world and their teams utilise this new tool.

“Innovation is at the core of everything we do at the United Cup and this is another example of leading the way and finding new ways to present the sport and engage our fans.