Jessica Pegula has ignited a firestorm of debate in the tennis world after openly criticizing the men’s best-of-five-set format in Grand Slams.
The World No. 3 didn’t hold back in her post-match press conference following her shock first-round exit at Wimbledon 2025, bluntly stating that she finds five-set matches too long and even “loses interest” watching them.
Unsurprisingly, fans weren’t impressed, and many took to social media to voice their frustration over what they perceived as a tone-deaf remark from one of the WTA’s top stars.
A Longstanding Format Divide Between Men’s and Women’s Tennis
The topic of gender parity in Grand Slam formats has resurfaced repeatedly over the years. Men traditionally play best-of-five sets at Majors, while women compete in best-of-three, a disparity that often gets revisited when discussions about equal pay surface.
Advocates for a change argue that allowing women to play longer matches would promote fairness and showcase stamina. Critics point to logistical constraints, increased injury risk, and viewer fatigue. Pegula added her voice to the conversation, arguing that women shouldn’t play five sets, but instead questioned whether anyone needs to, including the men.
“Would I want to play three out of five? No, I think I would rather the men play two out of three,” Pegula said bluntly after her 6-2, 6-3 loss to Italy’s Elisabetta Cocciaretto, who avenged a third-round defeat from the American at 2023 Wimbledon.
“To me, it’s just too long, and I personally lose interest watching the matches. I think they’re incredible matches physically and mentally, but I’m just like, do we really need that?” she added.
Pegula, who was a favorite to go deep after winning the Bad Homburg title over Iga Świątek just days earlier, also questioned the attention span of modern viewers: “I personally will not watch a full five-hour match. People can’t even hold their attention long enough these days, with phones… How are they holding their attention for five hours?”
“I personally lose interest.”
World number three Jessica Pegula hopes women’s matches at #Wimbledon stay three sets long.
Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/FPi0ltefCJ
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 1, 2025
Tennis fans quickly flooded X with a flurry of reactions. One user wrote, “This is the most ridiculous answer coming from a pro tennis player. Is she THAT clueless?”
This is the most ridiculous answer coming from a pro tennis player. Is she THAT clueless?
— Jojo Kay (@_JojoKay) July 1, 2025
Another commented, “Nope, slams should stay 5 sets forever. That’s what gives them the appeal. They are supposed to be battles.”
Nope, slams should stay 5 sets forever. That’s what gives them the appeal. They are supposed to be battles. I think the women should play 5 sets in the finals as well. https://t.co/v4X7f9sCEU
— James (@Goonerjimbo_) July 1, 2025
Others found her remarks dismissive of the effort and tradition behind five-set matches. “‘Do we really need that?’ Yes, we actually do. And the attention span argument is the silliest of all. How do they not get the point…,” a fan replied.
“Do we really need that?”
Yes, we actually do.
And the attention span argument is the silliest of all. How do they not get the point… https://t.co/CmVgH9EcxC
— Juan Ignacio (@juanignacio_ac) July 1, 2025
Outrage on Social Media Over Jessica Pegula’s Remarks on Match Length
A user even questioned Pegula’s credibility on the topic, considering she’s never played a five-set match herself: “What is she talking ’bout? She never experienced a best-of-5 match.”
Some fans also aimed for Pegula’s track record in the Majors. “This is from a player who usually loses interest in Slam tournaments at the 1/4 final stage, so no surprise. Not sure if her view is shared by many, including other women players?” read one harsh post.
“Would women even be able to play bo5 without lowering the level of the matches in todays game? Genuine question,” another user wrote.
MORE: Jessica Pegula Addresses Her Unexpected Loss in Wimbledon Opener for the First Time
