MELBOURNE — In a sport where tradition often reigns supreme, Aryna Sabalenka, the reigning Australian Open champion and a powerhouse of the women's game, has thrown her considerable weight behind a radical proposal: introducing best-of-five-set matches for women in the latter stages of Grand Slam tournaments. The Belarusian star, known for her ferocious power and relentless aggression, believes that such a format would not only level the playing field with the men's game but could be the key to unlocking even more major titles for players with her physical prowess.
A Champion's Endorsement for a Format Change
Currently, women play best-of-three sets at all WTA events and all rounds of the four Grand Slams, while men play best-of-five sets at the majors. This discrepancy has been a topic of debate for decades, often framed around equality, physical capacity, and scheduling. Sabalenka, however, approaches it from a competitor's standpoint. In a recent interview following her dominant start to the 2024 season, she made her position unequivocally clear. "I think I would prefer to play five sets in the second week of Slams," she stated.
Her reasoning is straightforward and rooted in her own strengths. Sabalenka argued that the longer format would benefit the physically stronger and more durable players, allowing them to separate themselves from the field through sustained excellence. "I think it's going to be really helpful to win more Grand Slams, especially for physically strong players," she explained, directly linking the proposed rule change to her own championship ambitions.
The Physical and Mental Divide in a Longer Format
Sabalenka's endorsement highlights a significant shift in the conversation. For years, the primary argument against women playing five sets centered on concerns over physical strain and the potential for increased injury. However, the current generation of athletes, with their advanced training, nutrition, and recovery protocols, has arguably never been more prepared. Sabalenka, Iga Świątek, Elena Rybakina, and Coco Gauff represent a cohort of exceptional athletes whose physical conditioning is a cornerstone of their success.
Proponents of the change point to several potential benefits of introducing best-of-five sets in the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals of Slams:
- True Test of Depth: It would create a more definitive test of all-around game, stamina, and mental fortitude, reducing the impact of a single "hot streak" from an opponent.
- Strategic Nuance: Matches would allow for greater tactical evolution, comebacks, and the kind of narrative drama often seen in epic men's five-setters.
- Equality in Prestige: It would align the women's and men's competitions in the most prestigious rounds, addressing a long-standing symbolic disparity.
Sabalenka's physical game, built on devastating serves and groundstrokes, is perfectly suited to impose her will over a longer period. A three-set match can sometimes hinge on a few crucial points; a five-set war often rewards the player with greater resilience and physical reserves.
Historical Context and Precedent
The debate is not new. The WTA Finals experimented with a best-of-five-set final from 1984 to 1998, with champions like Martina Navratilova, Steffi Graf, and Jana Novotna triumphing in the format. Furthermore, the Fed Cup (now Billie Jean King Cup) has frequently featured best-of-five-set rubbers. These examples demonstrate that women have successfully competed in the longer format at the highest level before. The resistance often comes from tournament organizers concerned with scheduling logistics and broadcast windows, not from the athletes' proven capabilities.
Not a Universal Sentiment Among Peers
While Sabalenka is a vocal advocate, her view is not universally shared in the locker room. Many players, including some top contenders, have expressed reservations. The primary concerns remain:
- Increased Injury Risk: The grueling nature of the modern calendar, with players competing on hard, clay, and grass courts year-round, raises valid concerns about adding more physical stress.
- Scheduling and Recovery: Fitting longer women's matches into an already packed Slam schedule, especially in the case of weather delays, presents a significant logistical challenge.
- Player Preference: Some athletes simply prefer the faster, more explosive pace of best-of-three, which they argue requires its own unique intensity and focus.
World No. 1 Iga Świątek has previously stated she is "open to discussing" the idea but has emphasized that player health and a potential reconfiguration of the tour calendar would need to be the priority. This highlights that any move toward five sets would require a holistic review of the sport's structure, not just a simple rule change at Slams.
The Road Ahead and Sabalenka's Legacy
For now, the Grand Slam committees and the WTA show no immediate signs of implementing such a change. The discussion, however, has been reignited by one of the game's most dominant forces. Sabalenka's stance is powerful because it comes not from a place of ideology, but from a fierce competitor's belief in her own advantages. She sees the longer format as a arena where her power, fitness, and mental toughness could shine even brighter.
As she continues her quest to add to her two Australian Open titles and challenge for the World No. 1 ranking, Sabalenka has framed the debate in a new light. It is no longer just about equality or tradition; it is about optimization and challenge. "If we want to prove that we are strong, that we can do this, let's do it," she has challenged. Whether the tennis establishment accepts that challenge remains to be seen, but one of its premier champions has laid down a compelling gauntlet, suggesting that for players built like her, more sets could indeed mean more Slams.