Sabalenka Rejects Extended Matches Amid Injury Concerns

Top-ranked tennis player Aryna Sabalenka opposes the idea of women's tennis adopting best-of-five-set matches at Grand Slam events, citing potential injury risks. Despite acknowledging her physical prowess, Sabalenka voiced her concerns post a swift Wimbledon victory, emphasizing the strain such changes could impose on players.

Aryna Sabalenka, the top-ranked women's tennis player, has spoken out against extending Grand Slam matches to five sets for female players, citing potential injury risks. Currently, women play a best-of-three format, while men compete in best-of-five at major events.

Despite her strength, Sabalenka expressed reluctance to take on five-set matches, reflecting on the physical toll and increased injury risk it could pose. This discussion arose following her straight-set victory at Wimbledon against Carson Branstine.

Similar views were echoed by Coco Gauff, who also highlighted the physical challenges such a change could represent for female athletes, advocating for maintaining the existing match structure.

(With inputs from agencies.)