Alexander Bublik Questioned Five-Set Tennis Format
The tennis star challenged the notion that players enjoy the grueling five-set matches required in Grand Slams.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Tennis
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Ranked No. 21 Alexander Bublik criticized the physical demand of five-set matches during the recent Laver Cup in London. The player expressed doubt that competitors actually find the grueling format enjoyable unless they emerge as the winner.
Why it matters
The comments reignite a long-standing debate over whether the traditional best-of-five format for men's Grand Slam singles remains viable in modern professional tennis. Opponents of the current system often highlight the extreme physical toll it takes on athletes compared to the standard best-of-three matches used in the ATP Tour.
Alexander Bublik, currently ranked No. 21, competed in intense five-set matches against Tommy Paul at both the 2025 and 2026 US Open tournaments. Official rules at these events mandate a 10-point tiebreak if a deciding set reaches 6-6.
The players
Alexander Bublik
He is a 29-year-old professional tennis player currently ranked No. 21 in the world.
Tommy Paul
He is a professional tennis player who faced Bublik in five-set matches at two consecutive US Open tournaments.
Andrew Abdo
He is a Tennis Australia executive who has addressed the potential for changes to Grand Slam match formats.
The details
Bublik, 29, argued that the physical strain of the five-set format makes the experience unpleasant, specifically noting that enjoyment is absent during the match unless the player secures a victory. While he has participated in these long-form contests, including a match where he trailed 5-0 in the final set, the player questioned the general narrative surrounding the supposed prestige of the format.
Timeline
The 2025 US Open featured a five-set match between Bublik and Tommy Paul.
The 2026 US Open saw Tommy Paul defeat Bublik in five sets.
Bublik questioned the format in September 2026 during the Laver Cup.
The Australian Open is scheduled to take place in January 2027.
The Big Picture
This dispute over the Grand Slam men's singles best-of-five format challenges a foundational structure of major tennis tournaments. It represents a potential departure from the current rules that have defined the sport's most prestigious events for generations.
The confirmation that the Australian Open will maintain the five-set system in January ensures that the upcoming major tournament will retain its traditional endurance-testing format. Viewers should expect standard match durations and the 10-point tiebreak rule at 6-6 to remain in effect.
The takeaway
While stars like Bublik may critique the physical toll of five-set tennis, the major tournaments continue to prioritize the long-form format as a core component of the Grand Slam experience. Fans and analysts should view these comments as a recurring debate rather than an imminent change to official tournament policy.
Further reading
Explore the latest developments and professional discourse in Tennis.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tennis World USA.
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