MELBOURNE — The Australian Open is at the center of a potentially seismic shift in women's tennis, with tournament director Craig Tiley confirming that serious discussions are underway to introduce best-of-five-set matches for women in the latter stages of the Grand Slam. The move, which could be implemented as early as the 2025 edition, would mark the most significant overhaul of women's Grand Slam format in decades and reignite the long-standing debate over equality and physical demands in the sport.
A Historic Departure from Tradition
Since the dawn of the Open Era, women have contested best-of-three-set matches at all four Grand Slams, while men have battled in a best-of-five format. This distinction has been a cornerstone of professional tennis, defended on grounds of tradition, scheduling, and concerns over the physical toll of longer matches on the women's tour. However, the landscape is shifting. In an interview with The Age, Tiley revealed that the proposal is being actively considered. "We are a leader in the sport, and we are always looking to innovate," he stated.
The concept is not entirely new; the WTA Finals employed a best-of-five final from 1984 to 1998. Yet, introducing it at a Grand Slam represents a monumental step. The change is being framed not as a critique of the current format, but as an opportunity to elevate the drama and narrative of the women's game. Tiley emphasized that the discussions are being held in close consultation with players, broadcasters, and the WTA itself, acknowledging that any change must have broad support.
The Equality Debate Revisited
The proposal inevitably resurrects the complex debate over equality in tennis. For years, advocates have argued that equal prize money, now standard at all majors, should be accompanied by equal playing formats. If women are to be paid the same as men at the sport's pinnacle events, the reasoning goes, they should be subject to the same ultimate test of endurance and skill. Opponents counter that equality does not necessitate sameness, pointing to the successful, fast-paced nature of the women's three-set game and raising valid concerns about increased injury risk and the logistical nightmare of scheduling even longer tournaments.
Player reaction has been mixed but notably open-minded. World No. 1 Iga Świątek has previously expressed support for the idea in the later rounds, suggesting it could add strategic depth. "I think it's a good idea to maybe test it in the later stages of Grand Slams," she said last year. Other top players, including Coco Gauff and Ons Jabeur, have also indicated a willingness to try the format, viewing it as a challenge that could create more iconic, marathon matches for fans.
Logistical Hurdles and Broadcast Realities
Implementing such a change is fraught with practical challenges. The Australian Open schedule is already a tightly orchestrated ballet across multiple courts over 14 days. Adding potential five-set women's matches from the quarterfinals onward would require:
- Radical scheduling overhauls to accommodate matches that could last four or five hours.
- Enhanced player recovery protocols and potentially expanded draws or longer tournament durations.
- Negotiations with global broadcast partners whose programming grids are built around predictable match lengths.
Broadcaster support is crucial. The appeal of a guaranteed, epic women's final is clear, but unpredictable match lengths can disrupt prime-time slots. Tennis Australia would need to present a compelling commercial case, arguing that the heightened drama and historical significance of a five-set women's final would drive greater viewership and engagement, offsetting scheduling complexities.
A Potential Staged Introduction
Industry insiders suggest a phased approach is most likely. The 2025 Australian Open could trial the format in the women's singles final only, much like the WTA Finals did in the 90s. This would allow all stakeholders—players, officials, medics, and broadcasters—to assess the impact in a controlled environment. If successful, the format could then be expanded to the semifinals and quarterfinals in subsequent years. This cautious method mirrors the introduction of final-set tiebreaks at the majors, which were also trialed before becoming permanent.
The Broader Context of Innovation
This initiative is part of a wider trend of innovation spearheaded by Tennis Australia. The Australian Open was the first Grand Slam to institute a roof over its main court, the first to use electronic line-calling on all courts, and a pioneer in night sessions and fan entertainment. Pushing for a format change aligns with this forward-thinking identity. Tiley and his team are positioning the tournament not just as a host, but as a proactive force shaping the future of the sport, willing to challenge long-held conventions to enhance the product for a modern audience.
The decision ultimately rests on a confluence of factors: player union (WTA) approval, medical and scientific consultation on load management, and commercial viability. The WTA has stated it is "engaged in ongoing discussions with the Grand Slams regarding potential format evolutions, always with player health and performance as the top priority."
A Defining Moment for the Sport
As talks progress, the tennis world watches closely. The introduction of best-of-five sets for women at a major would be more than a format tweak; it would be a philosophical statement. It would challenge historical norms, test the physical limits of the athletes in new ways, and potentially create a new tier of legendary matches in the women's game. While significant hurdles remain, the mere fact that these discussions are being held at the highest level signals a readiness for evolution.
The 2025 Australian Open may well be remembered not just for its champion, but for launching a new era. Whether the change proves to be a triumphant step toward a unified spectacle or a step too far into uncharted territory, the conversation itself underscores a dynamic period in tennis, where tradition and progress are set for a compelling match-up of their own.