“That’s part of the prestige”: Jack Draper opposes idea of shortening men’s matches at Grand Slams

Britain’s Jack Draper has opposed the suggestion of limiting men’s matches at Grand Slams to three sets. There has been considerable debate in the tennis world about the length of matches at Grand Slams.

Currently, men’s matches can go up to five sets at major events, whereas women’s matches are restricted to three sets. The debate started after calls for equal prize money for men’s and women’s tennis players. Although this has been implemented, a section of the tennis community continues to raise questions about how women's players can earn a similar amount of money to men, given that they play considerably less.

Recently, big-name women's players, including world number one Aryna Sabalenka, former world number one Naomi Osaka, and 2024 US Open runner-up Jessica Pegula, have shared their views on the debate. While Sabalenka and Pegula opposed the idea of making women’s matches longer, Osaka stated that she is open to such an idea. Pegula came up with her own suggestion that five-set matches should be scrapped altogether from Grand Slams, citing that spectators do not have enough time to watch such long matches.

Britain’s Draper, who is also taking part in Wimbledon, where he cemented his spot in the second round after being awarded a walkover against Argentina’s Sebastian Baez, spoke to the media after the match, where he was asked about his point of view on having just three-set matches at Grand Slams. Draper opposed such an idea, stating that lifting a title in a competition where five-set matches are played makes it special.

“My personal opinion is the grand slams are amazing that it’s five sets,” he said. “That’s part of the prestige to a grand slam. It’s almost a different sport. That’s why it’s so amazing to win one. It’s the ultimate challenge as a tennis player. They can be very long. But as a fan of tennis, the ups and downs of a five-set match. Obviously, it only happens four times a year in the slams. It’s tough for the guys sometimes playing so long. But at the same time I think if we lose the five sets we lose the kind of prestige of the slams. For me I think a couple years ago if you asked me if I want to get ready of the five sets, I would’ve signed for it within an hour. But now I think I understand the importance of just how amazing it is to be able to play. If you’re going to win one, it’s like the ultimate challenge.”