The idea of women playing five-set matches at Grand Slams seems to be getting closer to reality.
Craig Tiley has said he’d like to see the format introduced for the final three rounds of the Australian Open Women’s Singles, starting in 2027.
He plans to discuss it with players first before making any changes.
Danielle Collins responded by saying: “I feel like I’m about to go into cardiac arrest just thinking about playing three out of five.”
Iva Jovic, the 18-year-old who turned heads at the 2026 Australian Open, has now shared her thoughts on whether five-set matches belong in the women’s game.
Jovic backs five-set format for Grand Slams
Iva Jovic made a name for herself at the Australian Open by reaching the quarter-finals, and has since shared her support for five-set matches in Grand Slams.
The American, who is highly regarded by Novak Djokovic as a future world number one, spoke to the Tennis Channel about the potential change. Jovic acknowledged that some players had already voiced concerns but said she was open to it.
“For me, if that is the decision that is going to be made, I welcome it with open arms. I think I am very fit and I like the marathon mentality.
“I focus very well, and I think if anything it maybe gives you more time to figure out the game and when you are playing these really big hitters, strong players, it gives you a bit more time to get into it.
“It does truly become very long and very taxing but if that is decision they want to make, I’m here for it. I am ready to adjust. It will be interesting. I am definitely not opposed.”
The WTA already delivers high-quality matches, but adding five sets could introduce new challenges and opportunities for players who thrive over longer contests.
Marion Bartoli backs women’s ability to handle five-set matches
When Iga Swiatek swept aside Amanda Anisimova 6-0, 6-0 at Wimbledon last year to claim her first title at the All England Club, it sparked a fresh round of debate over the format of women’s tennis.
Bartoli, speaking just a week after Swiatek’s dominant display, told CLAY and RG Media:
“Women are absolutely capable of playing best-of-five sets.”
She did add that one match shouldn’t shape the wider conversation: “That final was special, so I don’t think you can take that one example and extrapolate it to say that women should play best-of-five. Usually we see longer finals, like the one at Roland Garros.”
Bartoli also noted it was something players and WTA leadership would need to work through together.
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