Frances Tiafoe had some suggestions on how the sport could attract younger fans, and it would change the sport quite a bit.
It's not a rule that would change the game too much, but it would certainly change the way the sport looks and feels for the fans. Tennis etiquette generally has fans being very quiet during points and now changing seats or moving around when play is going on.
Tiafoe suggested that changing that to what we have in basketball could help the whole fan experience and attract more fans. Many fans are surprised when they have to sit quietly for hours during the match, and if that rule was removed, it could possibly attract more fans.
I think fans should be able to come and go and move around and speak during matches. Imagine going to a basketball game and not saying anything.
It's an interesting idea that Jessica Pegula actually likes. She was asked about it in Miami and she thinks it's a cool way to look at it.
I mean, I like it. I'm also, like, one of those people. I don't really get bothered if people are standing or yelling or talking, not yelling maybe. So I can see how, yeah, that's a cool way to look at it. I think, yeah, to bring some personality to the sport, I think we have to start looking at some different things to touch a younger generation.
There is a solid argument for that but it probably would not go through if players actually voted on it. Many prefer the quiet atmosphere and get distracted easily during rallies which can be a problem. Playing a sport that is based on eye-hand coordination also doesn't help because the eyes reacting to something moving in the background could impact play further.