There could be a significant change to the women’s format at the Australian Open starting in 2027.
Craig Tiley has mentioned that the Australian Open is considering a shift to best-of-five sets for women, following two thrilling five-set men’s semi-finals at this year’s event.
Both the Carlos Alcaraz vs. Alexander Zverev and Jannik Sinner vs. Novak Djokovic matches went the distance, and Tiley implied that a best-of-three format could not quite capture the same level of excitement on the women’s side.
The CEO of Tennis Australia said he would reach out to the WTA Tour to see if there was any interest in making the change, and Danielle Collins did not waste any time sharing her opinion on it.
Danielle Collins speaks out on best-of-five sets proposal
Collins, who missed this year’s Australian Open with a back injury, is no stranger to the tournament.
The American reached the final in 2022, ultimately losing in straight sets to local favourite Ashleigh Barty.
The former world number seven took to Instagram to comment on the news that Tiley is considering introducing best-of-five-set matches for the women’s draw at the Melbourne Grand Slam, starting in 2027.
“I feel like I’m about to go into cardiac arrest just thinking about playing three out of five,” she stated.
The debate over best-of-five in women’s tennis is not new, with several players over the years expressing concerns about the increased demands of a longer format.
Reaction to five-set proposal for women’s Grand Slam matches
Tennishead’s TalkingPoint drew plenty of responses to the idea of five-set matches for women’s Grand Slams, with opinions split across both sides.
A number of fans were in favour of the switch, offering a variety of reasons to back their view.
One comment read: “I think if they claim equal salary with men in Grand Slams, they should also play 5 sets in a Grand Slam. Women run marathons, so endurance is not a problem.”
Another added: “Women are capable of playing 5 sets in grand slams. That way equal pay is definitely justified and spectators would be getting the bang for their buck.
“Also a player might be 1-2 down but still want the opportunity to win 5-2 but no such opportunity in women’s tennis.”
Others, however, pushed back against the suggestion. One person commented: “No. Matches are physically demanding in three sets now. This would adversely affect the health of the women.”
Another wrote: “No – I don’t think it’s needed, think the quality would decrease.”
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