"I don't recommend": Novak Djokovic shares clear view on women’s five-set matches at Grand Slams

Tennis fans love a good debate, and one of the biggest conversations in the sport right now centers on match formats at Grand Slams. Should women eventually play five-set matches like the men? The topic has resurfaced again after comments from Australian Open officials, and it quickly reached one of the most experienced voices in the game – Novak Djokovic. The 24-time Grand Slam champion was asked about the idea during a press conference at Indian Wells. Djokovic, who has built his legendary career by surviving countless five-set battles, offered a response that was both short and revealing. The Serbian star made it clear that, from his perspective, extending women’s matches to five sets may not be the best direction for the sport.

Djokovic shares his view on five-set matches for women

The discussion started earlier this year after an exciting Australian Open women’s final between Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka. The match delivered drama and high-quality tennis from start to finish. Rybakina eventually secured the title with a 6-4 4-6 6-4 victory, leaving fans and analysts praising the contest. After the match, Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley suggested that the only thing that might have made the final even more dramatic would have been a five-set format. Tiley also revealed that organizers were considering the possibility of introducing best-of-five matches for women from the quarterfinal stage onward as early as 2027.
The proposal made its way to Djokovic during his Indian Wells press conference. A reporter raised the topic while referencing Tiley’s earlier comments. "In January, Craig Tiley suggested that maybe women should play best-of-five-set tennis matches. I was just wondering, as someone who has played so, so many five-setters..." the question that Djokovic received during a post-match press conference in Indian Wells read.
Djokovic’s reply came quickly and with a smile. "I don't recommend (smiling)." After that brief response, the Serbian star explained why the five-set format is such a unique challenge for players competing at Grand Slam events. "You might play well the next match, but then the longer you progress in the tournament, the physically more exhausted you are. That's the big one. Obviously mentally, as well, of course. But physically, it's a whole different animal, so to say, that you're facing in Grand Slams compared to anything else that we have on the Tour," Djokovic explained.
The debate remains open across the tennis world. Interestingly, players themselves are divided. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has said she would welcome the chance to play five-set matches, while world No. 2 Iga Swiatek and third-ranked Elena Rybakina are against the idea.
For now, the traditional format remains unchanged. But as the sport continues to evolve, discussions like this show that tennis is still searching for the right balance between tradition and innovation.


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