Should Women’s Tennis Adopt Best-of-Five Sets at Grand Slams? | Paula Badosa Weighs In

The debate over whether women’s tennis should adopt a best-of-five sets format in Grand Slam tournaments, mirroring the men’s game, is gaining momentum. Currently, women compete in best-of-three set matches, but calls for a change are becoming increasingly frequent, fueled by discussions about competitive equity and athletic endurance.

Spanish player Paula Badosa, currently ranked 106th in the world by the WTA, has added her voice to the conversation. Despite recent struggles with injury and form, Badosa has become a prominent figure in advocating for adjustments within the sport. “In my opinion, I think we are ready to play five sets,” Badosa stated, according to Tennis Head. Her assertion centers on the evolution of athleticism in modern tennis. “We train every day, we have been training all our life for this, I think now the athletes that currently practice sport are super strong.”

Yet, Badosa acknowledges that simply increasing the number of sets isn’t a straightforward solution. Implementing a best-of-five format necessitates a comprehensive overhaul of tournament scheduling to accommodate potentially longer matches – matches that could exceed three hours in duration. Equally important, she emphasized the need to reassess the recovery time allotted to players between rounds. “It’s not only about resistance,” she explained.

Beyond the logistical considerations of scheduling and recovery, Badosa highlighted a crucial biological factor often overlooked in discussions about athletic parity: the hormonal fluctuations experienced by women during competition. “It’s a topic that is not talked about so much, but it is there… we fight against ourselves,” she said, acknowledging the unique physiological challenges female athletes face. This point underscores the complexity of comparing athletic performance across genders, even when accounting for comparable levels of training and physical conditioning.

Despite her support for the potential change, Badosa injected a dose of self-awareness and humor into the discussion, referencing her own recent injury setbacks. “I don’t know if I’m the best to talk about the topic because lately I’m injured many times,” she admitted with a laugh. “I don’t know… maybe in my case it would be much better to play only three sets.” This candid remark highlights the individual nature of athletic preparation and the varying physical demands placed on players.

As of February 25, 2026, Badosa’s current WTA ranking stands at 85, a decline from her career-high of No. 2, achieved on April 25, 2022. Her career record is 379 wins against 211 losses, with four WTA Tour singles titles to her name, including a WTA 1000 event in Indian Wells. She reached a major semifinal at the 2025 Australian Open. Her Grand Slam results include reaching the quarterfinals of the French Open in 2021 and the US Open in 2024, and the fourth round of Wimbledon in 2021, 2022, and 2024. In doubles, her career record is 26-24, with a highest ranking of No. 124, also achieved on April 25, 2022.

The discussion surrounding the best-of-five format comes at a time of broader conversations about equality and fairness within women’s tennis. While some argue that adopting the same format as the men’s game would elevate the sport and showcase the athletes’ endurance, others express concerns about the potential impact on player health and the already demanding tour schedule. The physical toll of extended matches is a significant consideration, particularly given the increased intensity and athleticism of the modern game.

Badosa’s perspective, informed by both her experience as a professional player and her recent struggles with injury, offers a nuanced contribution to this debate. She acknowledges the physical readiness of female athletes to compete in longer matches but also emphasizes the need for careful planning and consideration of the unique challenges they face. The conversation is likely to continue as the WTA and Grand Slam organizers weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of such a significant change to the format of the women’s game.

The implications of a shift to best-of-five sets extend beyond the physical demands on players. It could also impact match strategy, tactical approaches, and the overall narrative of tournaments. Longer matches would likely favor players with exceptional stamina and mental fortitude, potentially altering the competitive landscape and creating new opportunities for upsets. The increased length of matches could also affect television viewership and fan engagement, as audiences adjust to a different rhythm and pace of play.

the decision of whether to adopt a best-of-five sets format will require a careful balancing of athletic considerations, logistical challenges, and the broader goals of promoting a fair, competitive, and sustainable environment for women’s tennis. Paula Badosa’s voice, along with those of other players, coaches, and stakeholders, will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of the sport.