World's richest tennis star calls for major rule change after shock Wimbledon exit

Wales Online

01-07-2025

World's richest tennis star calls for major rule change after shock Wimbledon exit
Jessica Pegula was the biggest shock exit at Wimbledon on Tuesday as she was beaten in straight sets by Elisabetta Cocciaretto - but she has since called for a rule change in the men's game
Jessica Pegula was knocked out in the first round of Wimbledon
(Image: ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images )
Jessica Pegula has suggested that Wimbledon might want to consider revising the men's matches to best-of-three sets, arguing that playing a shorter format can be "a lot harder".
The American faced an unexpected exit in the opening round, marking her as one of Wimbledon's most notable early departures. Pegula found it tough against Elisabetta Cocciaretto, who delivered an impressive performance to defeat last year's US Open finalist.
Following her defeat, Pegula sparked a conversation about the difference between three-set and five-set matches, a distinction that still differentiates men's and women's tennis at Grand Slam events. With men playing best-of-three at Masters tournaments, the 31-year-old believes these matches pose a greater challenge.
She also mentioned that longer matches tend to favour the top player, noting her own difficulty in staying engaged with five-hour tennis marathons, often choosing to switch off.
The American has called for a rule change at Wimbledon
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Pegula said: "100 percent I think it's harder to win two-out-of-three than it is to win three-out-of-five. Not physically, obviously, but I think it always is going to cater to the better player in the long run if you're playing three-out-of-five. I think you'd see a lot more upsets of top players if men played two-out-of-three in slams.
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"It's a lot harder when you don't have that much time. You get down one break, especially for the men, and you're like, Oh, gosh, I'm kind of done. I need some luck. I need someone to choke a little bit. There's a lot to needs to happen. I definitely think three-out-of-five you have way more time to turn around. You do. You have an extra set."
She added that it would be preferable for men to play best-of-three sets instead of women moving to best-of-five.
"I would rather the men play two-out-of-three," she said. "I don't think we all need to start playing three-out-of-five.
Tennis players like Carlos Alcaraz may benefit from Pegula's rule change suggestion
(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images )
"For me it's too long. I personally lose interest watching the matches. I think they're incredible matches and incredible physically and mentally. I'm, like, Do we really need that? I don't know. I mean, some people love it.
"I personally will not watch a full five-hour match. People can't even hold their attention long enough they say these days with phones. How are they holding their attention for five hours? I don't know. Just not my thing."
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Pegula also pointed out the benefits for television broadcasters, as she added: "I think it would be a lot easier for TV, for scheduling. I mean, TV's always talking about making everything faster and quicker, all of that stuff.
"So I don't see why. It's been such a staple for the men. I find it hard to believe they're ever going to change it. Maybe if they could also play three-out-of-five from the quarters on. I don't know. Something like that."