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Gauff, Swiatek Question Australian Open Plan for Five-Set Women’s Matches

Top WTA players in Doha voiced skepticism, citing workload, recovery, scheduling concerns.

Overview

  • Australian Open director Craig Tiley has floated shifting women’s Grand Slam matches to best-of-five from the quarterfinals, targeting a possible 2027 rollout.
  • Coco Gauff said she could handle five sets but prefers best-of-three for practicality, adding that any change should apply across the whole tournament rather than only from the quarters.
  • Iga Swiatek warned longer matches could dilute quality and force players to overhaul training and season planning, even as she noted endurance could suit her game.
  • Amanda Anisimova, Jasmine Paolini, Jessica Pegula, and Madison Keys voiced hesitation or opposition, with Paolini suggesting reducing men’s sets instead and Keys questioning the need for added workload.
  • Women last played best-of-five at the WTA Finals from 1984 to 1998, and no formal change has been adopted as discussions continue.