THE SIDELINES : TENNIS : ATP Toughens Rules, Drug Tests

The Assn. of Tennis Professionals today toughened its code of conduct and drug tests. The group, which takes over control of the men’s tour in 1990, also announced a new ranking system and changes to speed up play while allowing breaks between sets.

Instead of the four-step penalty system--warning, point, game, default--ATP Tour-sanctioned events will have a three-step system--warning, point, default--and the group will add testing for steroids and other possible performance-enhancing drugs to the tests already done to detect cocaine, heroin and amphetamines.

The association also said it will change its computer rankings to reflect the player’s best 14 results, and players with 10 or more years on the circuit will be allowed to play fewer tournaments.

The association will also speed up play by reducing the maximum time between points from 30 seconds to 25 and mandating tie-breakers for all sets, including final sets, in tour events. There will be a 90-second break at the end of each set.