Players on the WTA Tour shared different opinions on Tuesday (March 4, 2026) about a new idea for women’s matches at Grand Slam tournaments.
The proposal suggests that women’s singles matches should be played as best-of-five sets from the quarter-final stage onwards. Currently, women’s matches at Grand Slams are played in a best-of-three format, while men’s matches are played as best-of-five sets.
The idea has been supported by newly appointed USTA CEO Craig Tiley, who believes the change could bring more balance between men’s and women’s competitions at major tournaments.
Some players welcomed the idea, saying it could provide more excitement for fans and give women the opportunity to show their endurance and mental strength over longer matches. They believe that playing five sets in the later stages of Grand Slams would make the women’s game more comparable to the men’s format.
However, other players expressed concerns. They pointed out that longer matches could increase the risk of injuries and make tournaments more physically demanding. Some also questioned whether scheduling and recovery time would be fair for players competing in singles and doubles events.
The debate highlights ongoing discussions in tennis about equality, scheduling, and player welfare. While no final decision has been made, the proposal has sparked serious conversations among players, officials, and fans.
For now, women’s matches at Grand Slam events continue to follow the traditional best-of-three set format, but the discussion about possible changes is likely to continue.