“Grand Slams Have to Stay in Straight Sets Forever”: Alexander Zverev Backs Rafael Nadal

Best of three or best of five, which of these is better suited for Grand Slam events? A heated discussion about this has been ongoing for a while now. One section of the community argues that keeping in mind the time constraints, the tennis world should make three-setters the format at Slams. On the other hand, others, including Alexander Zverev, want to stick to the traditions of the Grand Slams and continue with the five-setters.

“You don’t change the history of tennis like that. We did it for the Davis Cup, we saw the result. Tennis is a physical sport. That’s what we train for, we go to the gym. The Grand Slams have to stay in straight sets forever,” said an adamant Zverev.

Zverev clearly indicated that five-setters have been a part of the history of the Slams. He believes that playing five sets is definitely difficult, but as athletes, players like him should be fit enough to do so.

Earlier, Novak Djokovic had said that he wanted to move ahead with the best of three matches everywhere. He emphasized that it was a way of attracting the younger generation more effectively.

Read More: Daniil Medvedev sides with Novak Djokovic in the Best of Three v Best of Five debate

Alexander Zverev supports Rafael Nadal in sticking to the fundamentals of the Grand Slams

Speaking on the matter, World No.2 Rafael Nadal said that he did not want to alter history and traditions by changing the format to three-setters. Rafa highlighted that it was the format that made Grand Slam events so special and different from other tour tournaments.

Rafa also addressed that they used to get a day off, even if matches at Slams were tiring. Clearly, Alexander Zverev’s views fall in the same line as that of Nadal. World No.7 Zverev also opined that one should be mentally and physically fit enough to play at the Majors.

The organizations or the ATP has not said anything officially on the matter as of now. Fans also seem divided on the issue. Some want to side by the traditions while others believe that bringing a transition will help the sport to grow and flourish.