With the ‘Big 3’ era drawing to its end, the ATP is keen to explore avenues to keep the fans hooked to the action while hoping for the emergence of new superstars. One of the changes mulled is to bring back the original best-of-five-set format in the Masters 1000 finals, said ATP chief Andrea Gaudenzi, revealing that Roger Federer has been consulted on the matter.
Before 2008, a majority of the Masters 1000 finals were five-setters. The marathon matches led to an increase in withdrawals of high-profile players from tournaments scheduled immediately after. This prompted the ATP to change the format, making all the matches as best of three sets.
Sixteen years on, Gaudenzi is exploring a roll back.
“It’s a topic I’ve been talking to Roger Federer’s in this latest edition of Laver Cup. We both agree that the best matches of our sport have always been played in best of five sets, no one questions that statement. There is a possibility of the finals of the tournaments of the category Masters 1000 to be played again in five sets? The answer is yes, but it would have to be our decision,” Gaudenzi said in an interview.
Fans of the traditional format would be pleased about this change. However, the tennis community has been highlighting the workload on the players due to the hectic calendar. Many have expressed their dissatisfaction with the two-week long Masters 1000 event schedule too.
So, while a best-of-five finale would satiate the purists, the move might trigger a pushback from the players, who are already stretched.
And if the ATP expands the Masters 1000 series calendar by adding the much-talked about Saudi Arabia-based event, the load would only increase.
Could Saudi Arabia host a Masters 1000? Gaudenzi gives his take
Saudi Arabia has displayed a keen interest in promoting tennis. Apart from building facilities and academies, they have also hosted several tournaments in the recent past.
The Six Kings Slam exhibition tournament, and the WTA Finals this year, were both staged in Riyadh. To make things more lucrative, Saudi offered a record prize pool for them — $14.3 million for the exhibition event, and $15.25 million for the women’s tournament.
The clamor over the country getting a Masters 1000 event have increased in the past few years. Gaudenzi stated that the event could happen, but not before 2028.
“If it happens, it will not be before 2028 because there are infrastructure works that need time… The approach with the Saudis has been open, listening to their aspirations as they want to invest in tennis and help us. We want to build bridges, not barriers,” Gaudenzi said.
Regardless of whether they get a Masters 1000 tournament or not, one can assume Saudi Arabia to continue attracting big names for exhibition events through big incentives.
As far as ATP exploring a change in format is concerned, the body should make a move taking into account all the variables. They should consider not just fan interest, but also the best interests of the sport’s biggest — and only — asset: the players.
