Iga Swiatek Refuses Five-Set Proposal at Grand Slam

JAKARTA - Former world number one Iga Swiatek is one of the players who have rejected the proposal to implement five-set matches (best-of-five-set) since the quarterfinal at the Grand Slam.

The idea is supported by Craig Tiley as the new CEO of the United States Tennis Association (USTA). He assessed that the longer duration of the match could increase the interest of the audience as the match progresses.

However, this is not in line with Swiatek's thinking. The Polish tennis player questioned the urgency of extending the duration of the match amid the trend of shorter public attention.

"It's a strange approach in a world where everything is getting faster. So, I don't know if the audience will really like it," said the 24-year-old.

So far, the women's singles matches at the Grand Slam have been played in a best-of-three-set format. That's different from the men's singles, which uses best-of-five, so the duration of time can be so long.

Swiatek assessed that the change in format following the men's category has the potential to lower the quality of the game due to fatigue if the match lasts up to five sets. He assessed that the men's players are physically more ready to face the format.

"In addition, we have never practiced in a way that prepares for that. So, we need to change our entire calendar because the Grand Slam will be so difficult that I don't think we'll have time to prepare for another tournament," he said.

The 2024 Australian Open champion, Elena Rybakina, voiced similar concerns. He assessed that the mental readiness to play many sets is not easy if the match format changes in the middle of the tournament.

"This is a complicated topic. As a player, I honestly don't want to play three out of five sets," he said.

On the other hand, a number of players see the five-set format as an opportunity. Two-time Grand Slam champion Coco Gauff believes the change could benefit her physically even though she doesn't completely agree if it is only implemented starting from the quarterfinals.

"Maybe it will benefit me because physically I'm one of the best, but I probably don't want that to happen. Even if it happens, I prefer it to be applied throughout the tournament, not just from the quarterfinals," he said.

The most firm support came from world number one Aryna Sabalenka. The four-time Grand Slam winner is confident that her physical condition is able to face a longer format.

"I feel that I will probably have more Grand Slam titles. Physically I am very strong and quite sure my body can handle it," said the Belarusian.