WTA players divided on five-set matches proposal at Grand Slams

WTA players express mixed views on the proposal for best-of-five set matches at Grand Slams, highlighting physical and mental concerns.

Players on the WTA Tour offered a range of ‌opinions on Tuesday (March 4, 2026) on the idea of women's matches becoming best-of-five ​sets from the quarter-finals onward at Grand Slam events, a ⁠concept backed by newly named USTA CEO Craig Tiley.

Women's tennis consists of best-of-three set matches, while men's matches at Grand Slam events are best-of-five.

Tiley, the longtime head of the ‌Australian Open renowned for championing innovation in the sport, has argued that research shows interest grows as a match goes on.

Iga ‌Swiatek, who has won six majors, did not understand why the sport ‌would ⁠want to make matches longer in an era of ever-shrinking ⁠attention spans.

"It's a weird approach in the world where everything is becoming faster," she told reporters at Indian Wells. "So I don't know if the audience honestly would like that."

She also voiced ​concerns that there could be a ‌dip in quality as players get tired.