As the times change, the format of tennis is something that remains a subject of ongoing debate. As per the sporting formats, men have competed in the ‘Best of Five’ sets, while women have competed in the ‘Best of Three’ format. The reasons for the distinct norms for men and women have been questioned in light of this difference, which has occasionally provoked debate and controversy.

Now that the Australian Open is complete and the tennis world has witnessed Jannik Sinner‘s rise to victory at the very end of the final, there is a discussion on how Serena Williams could have won more Grand Slam titles during her career if she ever played the best of five set format.

Could Serena Williams’ fortunes have altered had she played best-of-five sets?

Serena Williams, undoubtedly one of the greatest tennis players the world has ever seen, built an unparalleled legacy within the ‘Best of Three’ set format. However, the question lingers: could she have achieved even more had she competed in the ‘Best of Five’ sets, a format traditionally reserved for men?

The tweet reads, “The men have such an advantage with their best of 5 format in a way. It’s almost a luxury to be able to play poorly for a couple hours, and STILL have time to win a match.  The women have None of that. Ever.”

A lot of tennis fans share their reactions to the same. A fan talked about how even the 23-time Grand Slam champion could have done far better in this format. He wrote, “True, true, that’s why I find Serena winning 23 more exciting than big 3 winning 20+ slams. Serena would have won more with bo5 of big 3 would won less with bo3.”

Another fan agreed on the same. “Serena would def have had 30+ slams if she played best of 5.”

One praised the 42-year-old American tennis legend, “Serena the GOAT iktr.”

A fan also talked about how this theory could have worked out the best for the WTA legend, “Bo5 for women’s = lesser upsets = more slams for Serena Williams. In my opinion.”

Subsequently, a fan shared a tennis wish regarding how he would like to see things differently in the future.  “Agree, it’s why I wish the women played BO5 at least later on in the event.”

Not only that, there was a time when even the former world number one tennis star opened up about her take on women playing the best of five rather than going for the best of three formats.

Serena Williams’ thoughts on playing best of five formats

Back in 2019, during a candid interview, she talked about including the best of five formats in women’s games. She said, “I think one of the things about that argument, the reason I think it’s null, is because we have said we’re willing and ready. I think every female athlete is ready to play five sets. Actually, the tournaments have said, no, we like you guys playing three sets. I don’t think it’s a fair argument at all.”

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Not only that, but she also emphasized the fact that every female athlete, at some point in time, is ready to play the best of the five-set format and give their 100% in that. While this will set up a fair argument between men and women, it will also provide an opportunity for all. WHat do you think?

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