A Chat with Tennis Legend Gabriela Sabatini: Her Thoughts on Shortening Five-Set Matches

Gabriela Sabatini enters the always active tennis debate: are matches lasting too long?

In this interview with CLAY during Wimbledon 2024, she stated, “I think it might be good to shorten five-set matches. It’s an interesting topic.”

“I think it’s okay for the fans to have the game a little bit faster; it’s more entertaining.”

The 37-year-old Novak Djokovic’s ambition and impressive record of accomplishments are much appreciated by the Argentine. She thinks that because of his frequent run-ins with the audience, which inspire him, a portion of that motivation is still present. She is equally in awe of Italian Jasmine Paolini, saying, “I adore her mindset.”

Thirty-four years ago, Sabatini was standing on Flushing Meadows’ green hard courts, kissing the trophy that won the US Open. In front of an enthusiastic audience, she defeated Steffi Graf in straight sets to win it in 1990.

The former third-ranked player is currently living up to her notoriety in the tennis world, receiving star treatment at every tournament she participates in. She will draw attention once more on Wednesday when she makes her way back to the competition where she had her greatest career achievement. She will play a mixed doubles exhibition match with Juan Martín del Potro against Venus Williams and Andy Roddick at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.

Gabriela Sabatini interview

If you could alter any one aspect of tennis’ regulations, what would it be?

They’re attempting to add new features and speed up the game a little bit, which I believe is better for the audience because it will be more engaging. They’ve started in that direction. Since tennis has a lot of traditions and you have to be careful about what you modify, I’m not sure what else they might change.