Unpacking the French Open Final: What Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner’s Epic Showdown Reveals About the Future of Five-Set Tennis

The debate about tennis formats, especially the best-of-five sets, continues to stir opinions. Some fans argue for a reduction in match length, while others celebrate its tradition. The recent French Open final featuring Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz showcased the drama and intensity that long matches can bring. Lasting five and a half hours, it highlighted why many believe the format can lead to unforgettable moments.

Long matches can create excitement, but they also have their downsides. For casual viewers, matches can feel dragged out. While Sinner and Alcaraz put on a thrilling show, other five-set matches may lack the same energy. For instance, their previous semifinal encounter was less captivating, marked by inconsistencies and fatigue.

Historically, tennis wasn’t meant to last as long as it often does today. The first five-set Wimbledon final in 1887 lasted just two hours. Fast forward to June 2023, and average match times have increased by 25% since 1999. Matches once lasting around three hours are now common.

This uptick in length affects players significantly. After grueling five-setters, athletes might struggle in subsequent rounds. For example, at the Australian Open, several players withdrew after exhausting matches early in the tournament. The physical toll from these longer matches can lead to disparities in performance as the tournament progresses.

Moreover, longer matches often tilt the odds in favor of stronger players. The format generally rewards those who can endure the physical strains of best-of-five matches, making upsets rarer.

So, who benefits most from this format? Fans enjoy the suspense of tight contests, but they also have to endure less engaging matchups. For example, when a match is tied at one set after hours of play, switching channels might seem appealing.

Players tend to favor the longer format, viewing it as a true test of ability. However, there’s been talk of a potential shift: what if Grand Slam tournaments used a mix of the best-of-three and best-of-five formats? This could minimize fatigue in the earlier rounds while still allowing for high-stakes matches later.

Such a hybrid model might also apply to women’s events, promoting equality. Historically, WTA Finals featured best-of-five matches from 1984 to 1998, but the idea of extending women’s matches has met resistance.

Despite these discussions, Grand Slam tournaments have shown little interest in changing formats. They continue to draw record audiences and revenue, leveraging the longer match times to keep fans on-site longer.

While Sinner and Alcaraz’s epic showdown provides a compelling case for best-of-five matches, it’s essential to remember that these electrifying encounters are the exception, not the rule.



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Sports Business, Tennis