‘It would help’ – Laura Robson calls for five-set women’s Grand Slam matches from quarter-finals onwards

Former British No.1 Laura Robson has called for five-set matches to be introduced in the women’s draw of Grand Slam tournaments from the quarter-finals onwards.

Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka both took well under two hours to win their Australian Open semi-finals against Victoria Azarenka and Magda Linette respectively on Thursday.

Currently women play best of three set matches at Slams, while the men will play best of five at the four majors: the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open.

But Eurosport expert Robson believes it’s time for change, even if introducing longer matches in the women’s draw would provide its own challenges.

“I think women absolutely could play best of five sets,” Robson said on Eurosport’s Australian Open coverage.

“I think it’s a logistical nightmare for any tournament director to try and plan two best of five tournaments.

“I don’t see why we don’t play best of five from quarter-finals onwards. Over the last few years, with the nerves of some playing their first finals, it would help them to have another set to work with.

“If they just had more time out there, you can tell that they’d recover further into the match. I know opinion is split, but I think they can do it.”

Former world No.7 Barbara Schett pointed out that it had been tried in the past and said: “Women are definitely able to do that”.

Seven-time Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander agreed that bringing in longer matches would be fairer in giving slow starters a better chance.

“I can’t imagine playing two sets out of three at a Slam,” he said.

“Two out of three sets – at Wimbledon – must be absolutely nerve-racking, because, in 40 minutes, you can be down a set and a break. These days, with the way that the women serve, that can be tough.”

Robson agreed, saying: “It’s an impossible situation, especially if you’re coming into your first Slam final and you’re nervous for the first few games.

“You blink, and you’re a set and a break down. We’ve seen it so many times, and it’s an impossible situation to try and get yourself back in the match when someone’s got such a comfortable lead.

“In that situation, I would love to see best of five. I think the players would benefit so much. Yes, it’s more work, but why not? We’re there to work. The players do the same off-season and the same amount of training as the men, anyway.”

The Eurosport pundits also paid tribute to the ‘Original 9’, the group of nine women’s tennis players who launched their own professional tour in 1970, after they were in attendance for the semi-finals in Melbourne.

“They were real trailblazers. Billie Jean King is the spokesperson for all of the original nine,” said Schett.

“We have to thank them for the path they’ve paved for us. Those girls, they didn’t make a lot of prize money. There was no pension plan, but now, we have it all. There are millionaires now, and we all owe it to these nine ladies. It’s so beautiful that they’re here.”

“Every time I have a conversation with Billie, I get goosebumps, because she and all the others have so many stories to tell,” Robson added.

“Billie is just one of the trailblazers. No matter what she’s saying, you have to listen, because she’s got so much life history. She’s so passionate about everything she’s involved in; we’re still learning from her every time she takes to the press conference mic.”

Despite the success of the WTA Tour and the rapid growth of women’s tennis, both Schett and Robson warned that more needs to be done on the road to equality.

“You can certainly improve things all the time, but tennis [can definitely stay at the top]. The more combined events around the world – with men and women – can make the product stronger. You always need personalities, which women’s tennis has,” said Schett.

“Billie has fought for a long time to get equal prize money going, and for more than 15 years, women and men get paid the same at Grand Slams. You can never underestimate the hard work that is put in on the women’s side, and I’m tired of people asking me why women get paid the same!”

Robson said: “Me too, to be honest. Across the year, it’s not equal, looking at the other tournaments. We have a long way to go to get there.

“There are still big differences across the WTA and the ATP (men’s tour). The stronger the product there is, the more joint tournaments there are – everyone loves them!”