Aryna Sabalenka Voices concerns Over Best-of-Five Sets in Women’s Tennis
Table of Contents
- Aryna Sabalenka Voices concerns Over Best-of-Five Sets in Women’s Tennis
- Sabalenka’s Stance on Match Length
- Current Format vs. Potential Changes
- Other Players weigh In
- Wimbledon 2025: Sabalenka’s Start
- Aryna Sabalenka’s Projected Path
- Evergreen Insights: The Evolution of Tennis Match Formats
- Frequently Asked Questions
- why is Aryna Sabalenka against best-of-five set matches for women’s tennis?
- What is the current format for women’s tennis matches?
- How does the format differ in men’s tennis?
- Has there been a push to change the format in women’s tennis?
- What are other players saying about the possibility of best-of-five set matches?
- how long did Aryna Sabalenka’s first-round match at Wimbledon 2025 last?
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka opposes best-of-five sets for women's tennis, citing injury risks. Read why she and other top players prefer the current format.">
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has expressed her reservations about potentially switching women’s tennis matches to a best-of-five set format, similar to what is seen in men’s Grand Slam tournaments, citing concerns about increased injury risks and physical strain on players. Sabalenka made these comments after her dominant first-round victory at Wimbledon [[2]].
Sabalenka’s Stance on Match Length
Following her straight-set victory at Wimbledon, Sabalenka stated, “I think it’s too much on the woman’s body. I think we’re not ready for this amount of tennis. I think it would increase the amount of injuries. So I think this is not something I would consider.” She acknowledged that while her physical strength might give her an advantage,she doesn’t believe the women’s tour is ready for the change.
Did You Know? The longest women’s singles match in Grand Slam history was at the 1996 US Open semi-final between Steffi Graf and Jana Novotna, lasting 3 hours and 13 minutes.
Current Format vs. Potential Changes
Currently, women’s matches across all tournaments, including Grand Slams, adhere to a best-of-three set format. In contrast, men compete in best-of-five set matches at Grand Slam events and best-of-three elsewhere. While discussions about adopting the longer format for women occasionally surface, there is no significant movement towards implementing such a change.
Sabalenka referenced the recent French Open final, where Carlos Alcaraz defeated Jannik Sinner in a grueling five-set match lasting five and a half hours. “For someone watching, it’s amazing to see five hours of great tennis,” Sabalenka said. “but I’m not really jealous to stay there for five hours as a player. I don’t know how many days they needed to recover after that crazy match.”
Other Players weigh In
No. 2-ranked Coco Gauff echoed similar sentiments, stating that while a best-of-five format might favor her physicality, she believes it would be a substantial change for the tour and is content with the current structure. “It would favor me just from a physicality standpoint. But I do think it would kind of be a big change for the tour. I think it would be fine just keeping it like how it is indeed,” Gauff said.
Pro Tip: Players often adjust their training regimens leading up to Grand Slam tournaments to prepare for the potential of longer matches and shorter recovery periods.
Wimbledon 2025: Sabalenka’s Start
Sabalenka’s Wimbledon campaign began successfully with a straight-set victory over 194th-ranked Carson Branstine, 6-1, 7-5, in a swift 73 minutes [[3]]. Her focus remains on navigating the tournament under the existing format.
| Tournament Type | Men’s Format | Women’s Format |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Slam | Best-of-five Sets | Best-of-Three Sets |
| Other Tournaments | Best-of-Three Sets | Best-of-Three Sets |
Aryna Sabalenka’s Projected Path
Looking ahead, Aryna Sabalenka aims to make her fourth consecutive Grand Slam final at Wimbledon 2025. After a strong showing at Roland Garros, she is focused on making history and seeking redemption on the grass courts of Wimbledon [[3]].
Evergreen Insights: The Evolution of Tennis Match Formats
The debate over best-of-three versus best-of-five sets in women’s tennis highlights ongoing discussions about player welfare, competitive balance, and fan engagement. Historically,tennis formats have evolved to optimize the viewing experience and accommodate the physical demands on athletes. While the best-of-three format has been a staple in women’s tennis, the increasing athleticism and power of female players have prompted renewed consideration of longer match formats.
Frequently Asked Questions
why is Aryna Sabalenka against best-of-five set matches for women’s tennis?
Aryna Sabalenka believes that best-of-five set matches would be too physically demanding on women’s bodies, potentially leading to an increased risk of injuries.
What is the current format for women’s tennis matches?
Currently, women’s tennis matches at all tournaments, including Grand Slams, are played in a best-of-three set format.
How does the format differ in men’s tennis?
Men’s tennis utilizes a best-of-five set format for Grand Slam tournaments, while other tournaments typically follow a best-of-three set format.
Has there been a push to change the format in women’s tennis?
While the topic occasionally arises, there is no widespread movement to change the format to best-of-five sets in women’s tennis, even in the later stages of major tournaments.
What are other players saying about the possibility of best-of-five set matches?
Coco Gauff, ranked No. 2, has also expressed reservations, acknowledging that while it might favor her physically, it would represent a significant change for the tour and is content with the current format.
how long did Aryna Sabalenka’s first-round match at Wimbledon 2025 last?
Aryna Sabalenka’s first-round match at Wimbledon against Carson Branstine lasted 73 minutes, with Sabalenka winning in straight sets 6-1, 7-5.
Do you think women’s tennis should switch to best-of-five sets? What are the potential benefits and drawbacks?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and subscribe for more tennis news!
