Aryna Sabalenka’s Stance on Best-of-Five Sets
In a recent statement, Aryna Sabalenka, the world’s top-ranked female tennis player, articulated her stance against the potential transition of women’s matches at Grand Slam events to a best-of-five sets format, a system currently used in men’s competitions. After her smooth first-round triumph at Wimbledon, where she defeated Carson Branstine with scores of 6-1 and 7-5, Sabalenka expressed concerns regarding the physical demands such a format would impose on female athletes.
“While I consider myself one of the physically stronger players, I still don’t feel prepared to compete in five-set matches,” Sabalenka said. “The physical toll on a woman’s body could be significant, and this could lead to an increased risk of injuries. It’s not something I think we are ready for as a sport.”
Discussion Among Tennis Community
This topic, although not widely advocated, occasionally surfaces in discussions among tennis enthusiasts and experts regarding adjustments to women’s tournament structures. The subject gained traction particularly after the recent demanding five-set match at the French Open, where Carlos Alcaraz triumphed over Jannik Sinner after a grueling 5.5 hours on court.
Sabalenka acknowledged the excitement that such matches provide for spectators but clarified that she would not relish the prospect of enduring similar physical exertion.
“For viewers, witnessing five hours of captivating tennis is incredible,” she remarked, “but as a player, I can’t imagine the recovery they must require post-match.”
Coco Gauff’s Support
Coco Gauff, who ranks second in the world, echoed Sabalenka’s views on the matter, suggesting that while the best-of-five format might benefit her strength-wise, it would represent a significant shift for women’s tennis.
“I think we should maintain the current structure,” she stated, indicating a preference for the existing match format.
