A debate about the future of women’s tennis formats is gathering momentum after world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka openly supported the idea of introducing best-of-five-set matches in the latter rounds of Grand Slam tournaments. While Sabalenka believes the longer format could play to her physical strengths and even help her win more Majors, fellow WTA stars Jessica Pegula and Elena Rybakina have expressed skepticism about the change.
Aryna Sabalenka Backs Best-of-Five Sets While Jessica Pegula and Elena Rybakina Voice Concerns
Pegula addressed the topic during a pre-tournament press conference ahead of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, explaining that she is not convinced the shift would benefit the women’s game. “I don’t really think we should have to,” Pegula said. “I’m honestly just not a massive fan of the three out of five, even with the men.”
She pointed out that longer matches sometimes lead to strategic energy conservation rather than sustained competition. “Even though I know that there have been amazing three-out-of-five matches, I do think in three-out-of-five matches there is also a lot of those where guys throw sets because they’re tired. If they get down a break, they tend to throw the set to get reset for the third set or the fourth set, whatever it is.”
Pegula added that male players have told her they often manage their energy differently in longer matches. “They have to reserve their energy in different ways,” she said. “I think we have amazing female athletes that honestly I think we could do that. I don’t think it’s the fact that we can’t; I just don’t necessarily think that we should.”
Rybakina shared a similarly cautious view, acknowledging the magnitude of the proposed change. “I think it’s a huge change, and I don’t think it might be interesting also for the people, because they maintain the level for so many sets, I think it’s going to be quite difficult,” she said.
The two-time Grand Slam champion admitted she personally would prefer to keep the current format. “So I think it’s a tricky topic, and me, as a player, I would say I wouldn’t want to play three out of five, to be honest.”
Sabalenka, however, welcomed the idea with enthusiasm and even joked that the format might have helped her win more Majors already. “Yeah, let’s do that,” she said. “I feel like I would have probably more Grand Slams. I feel like physically I’m really strong, and I’m pretty confident that my body can handle that. So let’s do it.”
When a reporter followed up by asking whether the change would benefit players beyond herself, Sabalenka acknowledged that it might demand more physical preparation from the rest of the field. “Well, I don’t know. I guess it’s a lot of fitness work to be done for others,” she said. “But I feel like we’re in sport and we have to care about ourselves, and I feel like if they do it, I have huge advantage.”
What Proposal Sparked the Debate Over Best-of-Five Sets in Women’s Grand Slam Matches?
The discussion stems from a proposal put forward by Australian Open director and newly appointed USTA CEO Craig Tiley in early 2026. He suggested that women’s matches at Grand Slams could shift to a best-of-five-set format beginning in the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals. According to Tiley, research indicates that fan engagement and broadcast value increase during the extended tension of late-match sets.
He has identified the 2027 Australian Open as a possible starting point for the change, noting that each Grand Slam tournament has the authority to adjust its match format independently without requiring approval from a broader governing committee. The proposal has sparked mixed reactions among players, with some seeing it as an opportunity to elevate the sport’s drama and others questioning whether such a change is necessary.
