Sports · Tennis · 2 hrs ago
Isner and Querrey oppose ending best-of-five Grand Slam matches
Juan Carlos Ferrero predicts five-set men’s matches at Grand Slams will end in the near future.
Men currently play best-of-five sets in every round of the four major tennis tournaments, while women play best-of-three.
Former players John Isner and Sam Querrey say most players want to keep the five-set format.
Querrey estimated that about 98% of top-100 players would support keeping it.
They argue that stamina and long matches are part of what makes winning a major so demanding.
The debate has also been stirred by late finishes, including a US Open quarterfinal that ended at 3:33 a.m.
local time.
One suggested compromise is to use best-of-three early and best-of-five in later rounds, but no change is reported.
John Isner and Sam Querrey said they oppose ending best-of-five-set matches at Grand Slam tournaments.
They were responding to Juan Carlos Ferrero’s prediction that five-set matches at the majors will soon be a thing of the past.
Isner said most players want to keep the format, while Querrey estimated that about 98% of top-100 players would support it.
Querrey said the physical demands and extended matches are part of what makes winning a major difficult and special.
Men play best-of-five sets in every round of the four Grand Slam tournaments, while women play best-of-three.
- Who
- Former players John Isner and Sam Querrey, and former player and coach Juan Carlos Ferrero.
- What
- Isner and Querrey opposed ending best-of-five-set matches at Grand Slam tournaments. Ferrero predicted the format would soon end.
- When
- The article was published on October 13, 2026; the comments were described as recent.
- Where
- Isner and Querrey spoke on the Nothing Major Show. The debate concerns Grand Slam tournaments.
- Why
- Isner and Querrey said the format is supported by most players and that its physical demands and long matches are part of the sport.
Juan Carlos Ferrero
John Isner and Sam Querrey
Future of best-of-five
Juan Carlos Ferrero
Ferrero predicted that five-set matches at Grand Slams would soon be a thing of the past.
John Isner and Sam Querrey
Isner said the five-set format should stay, and Querrey said he agreed.
Players' views
Juan Carlos Ferrero
Ferrero's prediction was not accompanied by a stated view about how many players support the format.
John Isner and Sam Querrey
Isner said the majority of players want to keep five sets; Querrey estimated about 98% of top-100 players would agree.
Juan Carlos Ferrero predicted that five-set matches at Grand Slams would soon be a thing of the past.
Isner and Querrey reacted on the Nothing Major Show, saying they disagreed with ending the format.
- Men's Grand Slam format
- Best-of-five sets in every round
- Women's Grand Slam format
- Best-of-three sets
- Isner's view
- The majority of players want to keep five sets
- Querrey's estimate
- About 98% of top-100 players would support keeping the format
- Ferrero's prediction
- Five-set Grand Slam matches will soon be a thing of the past
What people are saying
The majority of players want to keep the five sets.
And by majority of players if you pulled a guy in the top 100, it will be about 98%.
That’s why it’s so difficult to win a major.
Sources
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