French Open, Wimbledon, US Open and Australian Open to adopt new final-set tie-break rules and ensures Isner-Mahut record will never be eclipsed

Marathon final sets will be a thing of the past as all four Grand Slam tournaments will implement first-to-10 tie-breaks with immediate effect.

It means John Isner and Nicolas Mahut’s record for the longest match in tennis history, with a fifth-set finishing 70-68, will likely never be beaten.

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There were calls for a rule change after the eight hour and 11 minute final set epic back at Wimbledon in 2010.

And final set tie-breaks were rubber-stamped for the Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2019, in the wake of criticism of two lengthy 2018 semi-finals at the All England Club, including Kevin Anderson's 26-24 deciding set win over Isner.

But there has been inconsistency between all four Grand Slams with the Australian Open already employing a first-to-10 tie-break at 6-6 in the final set.

Wimbledon plays a first-to-seven tie-break at 12-12, the US Open has played a first-to-seven at 6-6 since 1970, and there has been no deciding tie-break at the French Open.

Now all four Grand Slams will implement the first-to-10 tie-break when a match is tied 6-6 in the final set.

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"The Grand Slam Board's decision is based on a strong desire to create greater consistency in the rules of the game at the Grand Slams, and thus enhance the experience for the players and fans alike," a statement read.

"This trial, which has been approved by the Rules of Tennis Committee governed by the ITF, will apply to all Grand Slams across qualifying, men's singles and doubles, women's singles and doubles, wheelchair and junior events in singles, and will commence at the 2022 edition of Roland Garros."

The statement added: "The Grand Slam Board plan to review the trial during the course of a full Grand Slam year, in consultation with the WTA, ATP and ITF, before applying for any permanent rule change.”

It remains to be seen how the news will be received as it could deprive tennis fans of epic finals, such as Novak Djokovic’s 13-12 final set tie break victory over Roger Federer in 2019.