Daniil Medvedev has given his verdict on the ongoing debate around best-of-five set matches at Grand Slams.
Best-of-five set matches were a big topic of discussion at the US Open this year, particularly due to many late finishes including Ben Shelton’s win over Carlos Alcaraz which concluded at 3:33am in New York.
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As a result, there has been a lot of discussion surrounding whether best-of-five set tennis is now outdated at Grand Slams, something which many players have commented on.
Medvedev was also asked about this following his latest win against Pablo Carreno Busta, which he won 6-4, 6-2, as the former world number one gave his verdict on the debate.
Medvedev was specifically asked about best-of-five set matches being removed from the first four rounds of Grand Slams, which he claimed he would be fine with. However, Medvedev did admit that the removal of best-of-five sets would ‘take away from the history of Grand Slams’.
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“I think definitely takes away from the history of Grand Slams,” answered Medvedev. “But since I was young, I said, ‘Look, I prefer three sets.’ So if you ask me, let’s play three. I’m okay to play five as well. I follow the lead.
“Someone one day decides to make it three till quarters or all the time, I will be okay with it. If it’s still five, I’m okay with it. I think it was also fun before when it was five for Masters 1000 events, but I don’t think we should bring it back. I’m just a player. I play. I’ll always try to do my best no matter how many sets there are.”
Medvedev is currently enjoying the best-of-three set format, having won five consecutive matches after winning the Hangzhou Open and his first round at the China Open.
Despite being a former US Open champion, best-of-five set matches have not suited Medvedev so much in recent years, having not reached the quarter-finals at any of his last eight major tournaments.
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Since parting ways with former Australian Open champion Thomas Johansson after Wimbledon this year, Medvedev has been working with former top 40 player Andrey Golubev. Golubev was originally working alongside Rohan Goetzke, but he has since left Medvedev’s team after the US Open.
Medvedev was asked about this collaboration, as well as his goal to qualify for the ATP Finals, as he stated that he thinks he and Golubev are on the ‘right path’.
“Finals for sure important,” said Medvedev. “It’s always about playing good. If you lose a couple of first rounds, maybe some other guy catch you. If you make finals in big tournaments, you’re in Turin. So it’s about playing well.
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“Talking about Andrey, it’s working good. The best work you can do is pre-season, like the most important work where you can actually feel the most from the coach, from yourself.
“Still we passed a tough period in the beginning of our relationship. I lost a couple of matches in USA. Was not feeling well. I feel like we’re on the right path. So far enjoying it a lot.”
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Daniil Medvedev’s tournaments with Andrey Golubev |
Result |
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Canadian Open |
Second Round |
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Cincinnati Open |
Third Round |
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Winston-Salem Open |
Second Round |
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US Open |
Fourth Round |
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Hangzhou Open |
Won the title |
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China Open |
Second Round* |
Medvedev was then asked a follow-up question about whether he plans to continue working with Golubev into the 2027 season, which he also claimed there was a ‘big chance’ of that happening.
“We’ll decide at the end of the year, but I think there is a big chance, yes,” Medvedev replied. “But since I cannot tell you 100%, I’m not going to say 100%. I think there is a big chance.”
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Medvedev will hope to continue his positive recent form alongside Golubev at the China Open, where he will face Jan-Lennard Struff in his next match. Medvedev leads his head-to-head against Struff 8-2, but lost their most recent meeting at Wimbledon.
