**Shock Wimbledon Exit Prompts Tennis Star to Urge Dramatic Change in Tournament Format**
In an unexpected turn of events at this year’s Wimbledon Championships, Jessica Pegula, widely recognised as one of the wealthiest players in the tennis world, has drawn fresh attention not only for her first-round departure, but also for stirring up a debate on the structure of the men’s game. Pegula was defeated in straight sets by Italy’s Elisabetta Cocciaretto, leading to one of the most significant early exits in the tournament.
Pegula’s post-match remarks have quickly become a talking point, as she openly questioned the traditional format of men’s matches at Grand Slam events. Currently, men compete in best-of-five set matches while the women’s draw remains at best-of-three—a distinction that has become entrenched over decades of Grand Slam history. After her defeat, Pegula suggested that the time for revisiting this format may have arrived.
Reflecting on her own experiences and observations, Pegula asserted that best-of-three set contests can present tougher challenges than the extended five-set format. She argued that, though less physically demanding, shorter matches allow less room for error, increasing the likelihood of upsets and making victory more elusive for the game’s top names. “A top player will usually find a way back over a five-set match,” she explained, adding that the condensed nature of three-set matches often brings unpredictability and excitement, but also higher chances for early exits.
This perspective comes as the debate regarding the length and appeal of men’s matches continues to simmer among players, fans, and tournament organisers alike. Pegula drew attention to the contrasting formats between the Grand Slams and the major men’s Masters events, where best-of-three remains the norm. She suggested that switching the men’s Grand Slam matches to a best-of-three format might not only lead to more riveting upsets, but could also keep audiences more engaged throughout.
When probed about the possibility of aligning the women’s matches with the men’s five-set standard, Pegula was unequivocal. “I’d rather see men move to two-out-of-three than asking women to play longer matches,” she remarked, highlighting her personal disinterest in five-hour tennis marathons. Pegula questioned the practicality of expecting today’s audiences, accustomed to fast-paced content and mobile distractions, to remain focused for prolonged matches.
Her comments have underlined a broader issue facing not just tennis, but many traditional sports: how to evolve to suit changing audience habits without sacrificing the sport’s history and competitive integrity. Pegula acknowledged the immense physical and psychological demands of the long-format matches and admitted her own challenges in maintaining interest as a spectator. “I just don’t have it in me to sit through a match of that length,” she said frankly.
From a broadcasting perspective, Pegula also identified potential benefits to reducing match lengths. She pointed out that swifter matches would allow for more reliable scheduling and better television coverage—two factors that have grown increasingly important as the sport seeks to boost its global audience. It’s a view that likely resonates with event organisers and broadcasters regularly faced with unpredictable match overruns and subsequent disruption to programming.
Despite her advocacy for reform, the American tennis star expressed scepticism over whether the sport’s longstanding traditions, particularly at Wimbledon, would be easy to overturn. “It’s such an established part of the men’s game. I think it would be very difficult for them to let go of it,” she observed. Nevertheless, Pegula floated the idea of introducing best-of-five only in the later stages of tournaments as a potential compromise, offering both drama and the classic endurance test fans expect.
Pegula’s remarks have sparked fresh debate about whether Grand Slam tennis is due for a modern overhaul. As Wimbledon continues, players and commentators alike will be watching closely to see if the conversation generated by her words leads to concrete discussions on the future format of one of tennis’s most iconic events. While it remains uncertain if or when such a fundamental change might occur, Pegula’s willingness to challenge convention has ensured the topic remains firmly on the sporting agenda.