Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka would prefer women’s tennis not to switch to best-of-five-set matches at Grand Slam events, similar to the men’s format, due to concerns about increased injury risk.
“Physically, I might be one of the strongest, so it could be advantageous for me. But I believe I’m not prepared for five-set matches,” Sabalenka stated after her straight-set victory in the first round at Wimbledon on Monday.
“I feel it’s too demanding for a woman’s body. I don’t think we’re equipped for that level of tennis. It would likely lead to more injuries. Therefore, it’s not something I support.”
Women play best-of-three sets at all tournaments. Men play the best-of-five format at Grand Slam tournaments, and best of three elsewhere.
There’s no widespread movement for the change, but it’s an occasional talking point — if women’s tennis should move to best of five at the later stages of the major tournaments.
Sabalenka was asked about the French Open final in which Carlos Alcaraz beat Jannik Sinner in a five-setter that lasted 5 1/2 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.”
No. 2-ranked Coco Gauff expressed similar sentiments about best-of-five sets on Saturday.
“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,” the American said.
Sabalenka beat 194th-ranked Carson Branstine 6-1, 7-5 in 73 minutes on Monday.
