“Sabalenka and Gauff support 5-set matches, while Swiatek and Rybakina disagree.”

Craig Tiley’s proposal, who is set to take over as CEO of the USTA after the Australian Open, has reignited a heated debate about the format of women’s competitions in tennis. Tiley suggests that matches for female players in the final stages of a Grand Slam could be played in a best-of-five sets format, a radical change that promises to divide opinions in the sports world.

During the Media Day of the WTA 1000 at Indian Wells, the top four players in the rankings were invited to share their thoughts on the proposal. The result was a clear division: Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff expressed their support, while Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina voiced their opposition.

“Go for it. I believe I would probably have more Slam titles. I feel physically very strong and I’m confident that my body could handle it,” Sabalenka said, showing her optimism regarding a format that, according to her, could enhance her chances on the circuit. “Considering the amount of athletic work this would require from everyone, I still believe we should take care of ourselves. For me, it would be a huge advantage.”

On the other hand, Swiatek raised concerns about the viability of the proposal. “I don’t know if the public would appreciate it. It would be strange in a world that values speed. Maintaining quality over five sets can be a challenge. Men are physically stronger and handle that load better, that’s a fact. Moreover, we have never prepared for a format like this. It would require a complete restructuring of the calendar. I’m not convinced that this would bring improvements.”

Gauff, for her part, sees the change as an opportunity. “This would probably give me an advantage, as I am physically one of the best. However, I would prefer the entire tournament to be played in the best of five sets, not just from the quarter-finals onwards. Changing the format halfway through the tournament defeats the purpose. And of course, it also depends on the players, the fans, and the broadcasters.”

Rybakina was more critical in her response. “It would be a huge change, even if just for the second week. Starting with one format and then extending the matches, mentally, is not easy. We have to consider how we will feel physically. A day off may not be enough. I don’t think this would be interesting for the public. As a player, I don’t want to play best of five sets.”

The debate surrounding Tiley’s proposal raises questions about preparation, physical endurance, and the impact this change could have on both player performance and the spectator experience. As women’s tennis continues to evolve, the discussion about competition formats promises to be a hot topic in the coming months. What is clear is that, regardless of differing opinions, the issue of women’s game formats is far from resolved and will remain under intense scrutiny.