Watch: Best-of-3 or Best-of-5 sets? Djokovic and Nadal vehemently oppose each other when it comes to the structure of Grand Slam events

Watch: Best-of-3 or Best-of-5 sets? Djokovic and Nadal vehemently oppose each other when it comes to the structure of Grand Slam events
Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic

Over the years, there have been a myriad number of debates concerning the length of Grand Slam matches on the men’s tour. While men’s singles category engages in best of 5 set battles, women contend to win 2 of the 3 sets. 

Many have noted this disparity and have often cited that the rule should be the same for all categories. Analysts have pointed out that the decrease in the length of men’s Grand Slam matches will result in an uptick in the viewership. 

2 of the all-time tennis greats, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have weighed in on the debate in their Nitto ATP Finals post-match conferences.

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Rafael Nadal’s stance

Rafael Nadal

The 20-time Grand Slam champion cited it as a “fundamental part of the history” of tennis and is “totally against” best-of-three sets at Majors. 

Rafa pointed out that the Slams are different than ATP tour-level events due to this format. Disposing of this tradition would mean turning one’s back on the rich past of the sport. 

A higher level of mental strength and physical intensity need to be unlocked in order to perform well at the Grand Slams. According to Nadal, these aspects make the Majors so interesting as they push the players to their limit and beyond.

Novak Djokovic calls for a change in tradition 

Novak Djokovic

Although Nole respects the tradition and history of the Slams, he voiced that he wouldn’t be opposed to seeing a change in them. Djokovic’s opinion is contradictory to that of Nadal’s. The World No.1 is “a proponent for two out of three matches everywhere.”

The 17-time Grand Slam champion argued that the new generation may not have the greatest of attention spans in terms of watching the lengthy matches. This is backed up by reports that 61 years is the average age of people who watch tennis.

Inspite of his massive success, Djokovic is not opposed to the incorporation of new tactics to keep the sport evolving with the times. While Nadal and Nole stand on completely opposite sides of this debate, the Slams’ organisations or the ATP are yet to comment on the matter. 

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