Tim Henman Rejects Proposed Shift to Five-Set Format for Women’s Grand Slam Matches Citing Tradition and Calendar Fatigue

Tim Henman argues against five-set matches for women at Grand Slams, citing history and a need for schedule reform. Craig Tiley remains a supporter of the change.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 14, 2026, 9:54 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Tennis365

Debate Over Best-of-Five Format Re-Emerges

The discussion regarding match length in women’s professional tennis has gained renewed momentum following comments from high-ranking sport administrators. Proponents of the best-of-five-set format for women argue that aligning the physical requirements of the women’s game with the men’s at Grand Slams would permanently silence criticisms regarding equal prize money. Under current protocols, men play up to five sets while women play a maximum of three, a disparity that some claim undermines the perceived value of the women’s singles competition.

Craig Tiley Proposes Gradual Implementation

Leading the push for change is Craig Tiley, the former Tennis Australia chief who recently transitioned to a leadership role with the United States Tennis Association. Tiley has suggested a compromise that would see the extended format introduced specifically for the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finals of Grand Slam events. According to Tiley, several recent high-stakes matches in the latter stages of majors would have benefitted from the added drama and tactical depth provided by a five-set structure. He has called for the topic to be officially placed on the agenda for discussion with the players.

Henman Prioritizes History and Tradition

In an exclusive interview with Tennis365, Tim Henman, who currently serves on the organizing committee at Wimbledon, firmly rejected the need for such a transformation. Henman argued that from a standpoint of history and tradition, the Grand Slams are currently "working just fine." He expressed a strong reluctance to "fiddle" with the established major tournament format, suggesting that the sport faces more pressing issues that should be addressed before considering a radical overhaul of match structures.