Alcaraz backs five-set Slams, calls for calendar changes

Carlos Alcaraz said Grand Slam tournaments should retain men’s best-of-five-set matches, arguing in Tokyo that the format is central to the majors’ distinction and legacy, while calling for changes to a crowded tennis calendar. Speaking to reporters at the Japan Open ahead of his title defense, Alcaraz rejected reducing Grand Slam matches to best-of-three sets. He said the five-set format had defined the tournaments since their beginnings and was what made them different and special. The comments came amid discussion about match duration, player workload and late finishes. Alcaraz said the tour schedule, rather than Grand Slam match length, should be addressed. He called for players to compete less and for organizers to avoid scheduling so many tournaments in succession. The reports describe his remarks as a position he has expressed before; they do not identify a specific calendar reform that organizers have adopted. The debate has been renewed by concerns about matches finishing in the early hours. Alcaraz’s US Open quarterfinal against Ben Shelton ended at 3:33 a.m. in New York, according to reports.