I suppose we'll never know how "close" this was to happening, because it is Bernie Ecclestone making the claim.
Here is the priceless bit;
Tennis to a time limit? Not sure about that one....
What was the sticking point you ask? Isn't it always cash with BE?
http://www.sportsvibe.co.uk/news/f1/exclusive-ecclestone-nearly-became-world-tennis-supremo-24339/
Here is the priceless bit;
“We would have introduced one serve only per point and also a timed cut-off point to a match so that everyone knew, especially the TV companies, how long a match would last. So, after an hour, a whistle or bell would sound and, rather like a football game, the match would be over.
Tennis to a time limit? Not sure about that one....
What was the sticking point you ask? Isn't it always cash with BE?
I should have gone for women’s tennis. It would have been cheaper.”
http://www.sportsvibe.co.uk/news/f1/exclusive-ecclestone-nearly-became-world-tennis-supremo-24339/