Carlos Alcaraz has little interest in seeing one among tennis’ oldest traditions disappear.
Talking forward of his title protection on the Japan Open in Tokyo, the World No. 1 pushed again strongly in opposition to the concept of changing best-of-five-set matches with best-of-three on the Grand Slams.
“I feel the fantastic thing about the Grand Slams are taking part in the perfect of 5,” Alcaraz mentioned. “If we take that away and play the perfect of three, I feel we’d simply be killing the legacy of the Grand Slams and killing the Grand Slams.”
The topic has resurfaced after new Tennis Australia CEO Andrew Abdo not too long ago floated the chance that majors may ultimately experiment with shorter codecs in some rounds. The Australian Open subsequently made clear that five-set tennis will stay in place for 2027.
For Alcaraz, best-of-five is a part of what separates the majors from every thing else on the tennis calendar.
“We’ve been taking part in the perfect of 5 within the Grand Slams for the reason that starting and I feel that’s what makes these tournaments totally different and particular,” he mentioned. “So, I wouldn’t contact something from that.”
Alcaraz, the highest seed and defending champion in Tokyo, will open his marketing campaign Thursday afternoon in opposition to American Alex Michelsen. The match is scheduled for not earlier than 4 p.m. native time.
The 23-year-old is bidding to turn out to be the primary man to efficiently defend the Japan Open title since Pete Sampras achieved the feat in 1994.
