The Wimbledon Ladies’ Final: Exploring A 5-Set Format

The 2024 Ladies' Championship at Wimbledon delivered an exhilarating contest between Czechia's Barbora Krejčíková and Italy's Jasmine Paolini. Both players were determined to claim their first Wimbledon title, but it was Krejčíková who emerged victorious, winning in three sets 6-2, 2-6, 6-4. The third set was especially intense and closely contested, with both athletes battling fiercely and passionately.

Ultimately, Krejčíková pulled ahead to secure the lead and the match for a well-earned title, however, one can't help but speculate how the match might have unfolded had the women competed in a best-of-five format. Would the additional sets have allowed for even more strategic gameplay, with players conserving energy and adapting their tactics as the match progressed? Perhaps we would have witnessed even more intense rallies, with each pushing their limits further. The mental and physical endurance required for five sets could have led to unexpected momentum shifts, dramatically altering the outcome of the match. It is interesting to speculate how the longer format might have added a layer of drama and unpredictability.

So, why not play best-of-five sets? Understanding the historical context and the reasons behind this longstanding tradition reveals a complex web of factors that continue to influence tennis today.

Ladies’ Set Length at Grand Slams

The history of set length in women’s tennis is deeply rooted in tradition and societal attitudes. From 1891 to 1901, women competed in best-of-five matches during the finals of the US National Championships, the precursor to today’s US Open. While several of these finals went the full distance, the United States National Lawn Tennis Association Council eventually decided to reduce the ladies’ format to best-of-three sets, citing concerns that five sets would be too physically demanding for women. It’s important to note that the council was composed entirely of men, reflecting the prevailing societal beliefs about women's capabilities in sports. Elisabeth Moore, who competed in and won two five-set matches during the 1896 and 1901 Championships, voiced her criticism of the decision to shorten match lengths. She highlighted the absence of consultation with female players in this decision and argued for the original format, asserting, "Lawn tennis is a game not only of skill but of endurance as well." Despite her advocacy, the choice to reduce women’s matches to best-of-three sets was upheld, establishing a tradition that persists to this day.

The question of set length resurfaced between 1984 and 1998 when the WTA Tour Finals adopted a best-of-five format for its end-of-season competition. This move received strong support from prominent figures like Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert, who argued that a best-of-five final would add excitement and allow players to better showcase their talent. During this period, which saw the rise of legendary athletes such as Navratilova, Monica Seles, and Steffi Graf, there were numerous extended matches, with six out of the 16 finals reaching four sets and three extending to the full five sets. Graf notably participated in two of those five-set matches, including the last one in 1996, before the format was ultimately discontinued in 1998 due to poor television ratings and scheduling challenges.

Since then, the landscape of women's sports has undergone remarkable transformation. Increased visibility, greater investment, and a surge in popularity has significantly shifted the conversation around women’s sports. Issues that once dominated discussions—such as television ratings—are no longer as pressing, as women's sports continue to attract audiences and gain sponsorship deals. The evolution of media coverage and social media engagement has also played a crucial role in elevating women's sports, making it a more integral part of the overall sports narrative. This raises important questions about the potential for revisiting Grand Slam match formats and ensuring that women’s tennis continues to evolve alongside these developments.

A Shift In Format

In a 2023 episode of The Tennis Podcast, tennis icon Billie Jean King highlighted the critical importance of prioritizing audiences and sponsors in the ongoing discussion surrounding match formats. King argued that understanding the needs and preferences of fans is essential for the growth and visibility of women's tennis. She stated, “We have to think about their audiences first, and their sponsors are really important.”

King advocated for a shift in the format, suggesting that women should compete in best-of-five sets or that all players should adopt a uniform best-of-three format. She reasoned that if women were to play best-of-five sets, it would create more opportunities for content generation and increase engagement with fans, ultimately enhancing the overall viewing experience. By expanding the match length, women’s tennis could offer more drama, intensity, and excitement, elements that resonate well with audiences.

Former world No. 1 and current French Open Tournament Director Amélie Mauresmo, who won both Wimbledon and the Australian Open in 2006, shared similar views to those expressed by Billie Jean King’s sentiments about match formats. Reflecting on her experiences as a player, she expressed a strong desire to compete in a Grand Slam final using a best-of-five format, stating, “What I’ve always thought, and this was also as a player, is that I would love to play a Grand Slam final as a best-of-five. This is something I would have really loved, and it’s definitely something I would consider if it could add value to women’s tennis.”

What’s Best for the Future of Tennis?

Transitioning women's matches to a best-of-five format in Grand Slam tournaments—particularly during the semi-finals and finals—could certainly lead to more thrilling and memorable performances, however, a more balanced and long-term solution would be to implement a unified format for both men's and women's events. This could involve using a best-of-three format for all rounds leading up to the semi-finals, reserving the best-of-five format for the final stages. Such an approach would effectively manage match length while minimizing player fatigue, ensuring a fair and exciting competition for both the women’s and men's matches.

There is debate about the average length of men’s Grand Slam matches. In 2023, The New York Times reported a notable increase over the years, rising from about 2 hours and 21 minutes in 1999 to approximately 2 hours and 54 minutes today. This trend not only impacts scheduling but also raises concerns about audience engagement, particularly as attention spans continue to decline. If these issues are not addressed, they could pose long-term challenges for the men's side of the sport, ultimately affecting the future of tennis as a whole.

By adopting a best-of-three format for all rounds leading up to the semi-finals, while reserving the best-of-five format for the final stages for both men and women, tournament organizers could potentially reduce the likelihood of lengthy match delays and logistical complications. This strategy would promote smoother operations throughout the events, ensuring matches proceed without unnecessary interruptions and enhancing the overall flow. Such consistency would not only improve the experience for fans but also foster a professional atmosphere that boosts engagement, overall satisfaction and equity among players. A fundamental shift of the Grand Slam set format could pave the way for a stronger and more sustainable future for tennis.