Gerard Piqué, the retired footballer known for his successful career at FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team, has always been vocal about his views on sports. Beyond the football pitch, Piqué is also a keen observer of other sports, including tennis, and he often shares his thoughts on how they can be improved.
One of the aspects Piqué has questioned is the traditional practice of serving twice in tennis. He argues that this ritual unnecessarily prolongs the game by adding about 30 seconds for players to bounce the ball and prepare for the second serve. In Piqué’s view, this time could be better utilized to maintain the game’s pace and keep the audience more engaged. He suggests that streamlining this process could potentially make tennis matches more dynamic and less predictable.
Additionally, Piqué advocates for the implementation of a golden point system at deuce, or 40-40. In the current format, players must win two consecutive points to secure the game. This can lead to lengthy exchanges, especially during crucial moments. The golden point system, which has already been adopted in some doubles matches, allows for a single decisive point at deuce, adding an element of excitement and urgency. Piqué believes that introducing this rule across all matches could make tennis more thrilling and accessible to fans.
As a sportsman who has experienced the highs and lows of professional competition, Piqué’s insights offer valuable perspectives on how to evolve and innovate within sports. His proposals, though unconventional, reflect a broader trend of athletes taking an active role in shaping the future of their respective disciplines.