Should Women's Grand Slam games be best of 5?

Blisterman

A few years ago, there was a big debate about women receiving equal prize money as men in Grand Slams. Opponents argued that because women play best of 3, as opposed to best of 5, they have it easier, evidenced by the fact that much more women take part in both singles and doubles, than men.

Surely the fairest thing is to have women also play best of five. How come this doesn't happen?

Hank Scorpio

the physical side of it? afaik

Johnmb

nuxxx wrote: »

the physical side of it? afaik

Women can run marathons that are the same length as the men's afaik, they could easily play 5 sets against each other if they trained for it.

Hank Scorpio

Johnmb wrote: »

Women can run marathons that are the same length as the men's afaik, they could easily play 5 sets against each other if they trained for it.

Not doubting that at all, I just thought that was the reason

Johnmb

nuxxx wrote: »

Not doubting that at all, I just thought that was the reason

Tennis is inherently sexist at it's very core. That's why they don't play best of 5 sets. Sure they're only women, they wouldn't be able for it, and it would be ungentlemanly to expect them to do it, and the women take advantage of that thinking. I remember many years ago in a DLTC workshop to discuss the leagues, and a query as to why the men always had to play early morning matches during the Winter Leagues, and the women always got the afternoon slot. A suggestion that it should alternate was made. The reason given for not considering it? Because the women had to cook the family dinner early before they could go out and play. This was put forward by a man, and the women there just nodded and agreed that they couldn't play in the mornings for that reason.

Anywhoodle

It has nothing whatsoever to do with sexism IMO.. The real reason the matter hasn't been pushed is because it'd be a complete scheduling nightmare at the GS's. Ye've seen how things can be pretty messy as is- lots of drawn-out 5 setters can throw one half of the draw into disarray, then you've the rain-delays on outside courts etc. If the women were to play best of 5, it'd be a complete and utter nightmare for the organisers..

Johnmb

Anywhoodle wrote: »

It has nothing whatsoever to do with sexism IMO.. The real reason the matter hasn't been pushed is because it'd be a complete scheduling nightmare at the GS's. Ye've seen how things can be pretty messy as is- lots of drawn-out 5 setters can throw one half of the draw into disarray, then you've the rain-delays on outside courts etc. If the women were to play best of 5, it'd be a complete and utter nightmare for the organisers..

Well if sexism seems too strong a word, then an excessive, and unnecessary, chivalry is the main reason for it. The GS's could easily deal with the added time pressures. But it's not just them, Fed Cup matches have no such scheduling problems, yet they aren't 5 setters either. There is a genuine belief among many high ups in tennis that the women simply aren't able for 5 setters. They are wrong about that, but until the women decide to prove it that won't change. But it's not likely many top women will rock the boat and give themselves so much extra work. Several may not be top players any more if it happened. Those that rely purely on power wouldn't last.

Anywhoodle

Johnmb wrote: »

Well if sexism seems too strong a word, then an excessive, and unnecessary, chivalry is the main reason for it. The GS's could easily deal with the added time pressures. But it's not just them, Fed Cup matches have no such scheduling problems, yet they aren't 5 setters either. There is a genuine belief among many high ups in tennis that the women simply aren't able for 5 setters. They are wrong about that, but until the women decide to prove it that won't change. But it's not likely many top women will rock the boat and give themselves so much extra work. Several may not be top players any more if it happened. Those that rely purely on power wouldn't last.

Hmm.. I don't think the GS's could deal easily with the added time pressures, to be honest.. There are plenty of shambolic instances of players missing days off due to delays as it is, having to play 3 days in a row, etc. If women played best of 5 too, they'd be v.hard-pressed to keep both halves of the draws in line.. Imagine the rainy Roland Garros scenario; not even a roof on Chatrier- major nightmare! Nowadays, players who become embroiled in messy, prolonged, delayed matches burn a lot of energy (physically and mentally) at a time when they've a quick-turnaround into the next tour event (think of the RG-grass court transition). The tour schedule is crazy as it is and many of the top players (Rafa, in particular, on a constant basis) are v.vocal about it. The powers that be would be insane to tinker with the GS's in any way that could burden the top seeds any further.. Extending the women's matches would further impede progress through the main draws.

Re. the women proving they could play 5: I suppose, in practical terms, the WTA players have repeatedly proven that they could withstand 5 sets.. There have been plenty of 3-set matches that have gone the distance in terms of hours played. The most obvious recent example would be the 4th round of the Aussie this year. Schiavone (at 31) vs. Kuznetsova (4hr 44mins). I'd say it's v.much apparent to the higher-ups that the WTA could play the same format as the guys at GS's. They don't want to push the matter (IMO) because of the scheduling headache it'd unleash.. As for the women themselves, like you say, they're defo unlikely to push an issue that'd result in them having to work harder for their $. Re. Fed Cup- it can be a struggle to get top players to commit as it is.. If they demanded best of 5, even fewer would be likely to participate. Ultimately, if the GS's don't lead the way and expect best of 5 performances, Fed Cup is unlikely to take the initiative..

Personally, I think it'd be ideal for the WTA to start playing best of 5 in the latter stages of the GS's only (as a stepping-stone). From the quarters on, their playing best of 5 shouldn't create any scheduling probs since the draws have been significantly whittled down.. Plus, if there's any doubt about the ability of the women to sustain best of 5 performances over the fortnight, at least they could conserve energy during the first week.. Over time, it'd become pretty apparent whether the higher seeds could live with that without their level dropping off.

Bullseye1

Yep women should play the best of five. Far too many two set games in the women's game. It can be far too easy to win in comparison to the men's game. Fitness shouldn't be a problem for these athletes.

jcf

Yes of course it should, they moaned about not getting the same prize money - they work less then Men so they should receive less!!!!


But of course the PC brigade , no arguing with them, so they had to give in and award them the same prize money - even tho it's **** tennis and on my day i could beat any of 'em :P !!!

califano

Seeing at the serve in womens tennis is of no signicant advantage then best of 3 sets is as true a test as a best of 5 in mens in my opinion.