The Australian Open could be set for a huge change in the women’s draw from the 2027 event.
Craig Tiley shared plans for the Australian Open to introduce best of five sets following the incredible men’s semi-final matches at the Grand Slam.
Both Carlos Alcaraz vs Alexander Zverev and Jannik Sinner vs Novak Djokovic went the full five sets, and Tiley suggested the women’s matches couldn’t equal the excitement in a best of three sets format.
Tiley suggested he would liaise with the WTA Tour to see if the change would be of interest and Danielle Collins has instantly chimed in with her thoughts.
Danielle Collins shares statement about playing best of five sets
Collins did not play the Australian Open this year due to a back injury, but she has previous at the Grand Slam.
The star reached the 2022 Australian Open final, but she lost in straight sets to home favourite Ashleigh Barty.
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On Instagram, the former world number seven reacted to the news that Craig Tiley was interested in incorporating best of five sets into the women’s draw at the Melbourne Grand Slam from 2027.
The American star wrote: “”I feel like I’m about to go into cardiac arrest just thinking about playing three out of five.”
The debate has rumbled on for years, with several players discussing their displeasure at the idea of playing a longer format.
What Tennishead readers think about women playing best of five sets
Our readers were incredibly vocal about women playing best-of-five sets on our TalkingPoint on the matter.
Many fans believed the rule change should be introduced for the women’s draw, for a multitude of reasons.
“I think if they claim equal salary with men in Grand Slams, they should also pay 5 sets in a Grand Slam. Women run marathons, so endurance is not a problem,” said one.
Do you think women should play best-of-five set matches?
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Another wrote: “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, were against the idea. One wrote: “No. Matches are physically demanding in three sets now. This would adversely affect the health of the women.”
Another said: “No – I don’t think it’s needed, think the quality would decrease.”
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