For a brief period in women's tennis history, the WTA Finals, the season-ending championship, featured a best-of-five sets format for its final match. This departure from the standard best-of-three set format was implemented from 1984 to 1998, marking the first time since 1901 that women competed in a best-of-five format. In 1999, the final reverted to a best-of-three format.
The decision to adopt the best-of-five format was unprecedented in the Open Era. It aimed to elevate the WTA Finals and provide a compelling spectacle for fans. This put the women's game on par with the men's, who routinely played best-of-five set matches in Grand Slam events.
During the years the best-of-five sets format was in place, there were a few memorable matches that went the distance. The 1990 WTA Finals between Monica Seles and Gabriela Sabatini stands out as a historic encounter. Seles emerged victorious after a grueling 3 hours and 47 minutes, with a final score of 6-4, 5-7, 3-6, 6-4, 6-2. Tennis magazine called it, "one of the most beautiful match in the history of women's tennis".
Steffi Graf also etched her name in the history books. She won two five-set finals. In 1995, she defeated Anke Huber 6-1, 2-6, 6-1, 4-6, 6-3, and in 1996, she overcame Martina Hingis 6-3, 4-6, 6-0, 4-6, 6-0. These matches showcased the endurance and mental fortitude of these athletes.
The best-of-five set format sparked debate among players, coaches, and fans. Some argued that it added excitement and prestige to the women's game, while others questioned whether the players could maintain their level of play over extended periods. Heinz Günthardt, former coach of Steffi Graf, commented that both Graf and Hingis struggled to maintain their level when playing five sets in 1996.
Despite the discussions, the WTA ultimately decided to revert to the best-of-three set format in 1999. The reasons for this decision were not explicitly stated. However, it is speculated that factors such as scheduling constraints, concerns about player fatigue, and television broadcasting considerations may have played a role.
Even though the best-of-five set final is a thing of the past at the WTA Finals, it remains a unique chapter in the history of women's tennis. Those years provided fans with some unforgettable matches that tested the limits of the athletes. While there are arguments for and against it, the format offered a different dimension to the sport and sparked conversations about equality, endurance, and the spectacle of women's tennis.
