Andrew Abdo, the CEO of Tennis Australia, recently proposed the idea of modifying the best-of-five set format used in men's singles matches during Grand Slam tournaments. Speaking at the SportNXT business summit in Melbourne on September 8th, Abdo suggested that exploring shorter formats and possible alterations to the scoring system could help tennis appeal to modern audiences.
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Abdo indicated that such changes might involve not playing best-of-five matches throughout all tournament rounds. He emphasized the need for the sport to evolve while still retaining its core essence, stating, “If you want to maximize your commercial outcome, we’re in the entertainment game, right?” He acknowledged the incredible athleticism displayed by players but insisted that the rules and formats must adapt to stay relevant.
The issue of player injuries in men's tennis has also garnered attention, with a report from the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) revealing a 116% increase in arm injuries in early 2026 compared to the same timeframe last year. Upper-body injuries rose by 42%. Many players argue that the lengthy season, rather than match duration, is the greater concern. Carlos Alcaraz noted, “It’s impossible to play every tournament … we’ve been out playing [for] 40 weeks,” emphasizing the need for scheduled breaks to prevent injuries and fatigue.
The potential elimination or reduction of the best-of-five format may particularly benefit older players, allowing them to remain competitive longer. Novak Djokovic, 39, reflected on this topic after his unexpected early exit at a recent Grand Slam. He suggested that early rounds could switch to best-of-three with later rounds returning to best-of-five, exemplifying the ongoing debate about match length and player endurance.
In contrast, Craig Tiley, Abdo's predecessor, previously advocated for introducing the best-of-five format for women's singles in Grand Slam tournaments, starting with the Australian Open. Tiley argued that interest tends to grow as matches progress, stating, “As a sport, we need to evolve.”
Though both Abdo's and Tiley's proposals are exploratory, they highlight a significant conversation about the structure of the sport. Abdo, who assumed his position in August, expressed a vision for tennis to become Australia’s most popular sport within five years, suggesting that modifications to the scoring system may play a role in achieving this objective.