There is not a unanimous perception over which format is better in tennis. Is it the best of three sets or the best of five sets? In fact, there are as many different views as the different stakeholder groups. Sometimes, there are different views within the same stakeholder group.
Players, media, journalists, and broadcasters are more likely to find the best-of-three-sets format more appealing, because of the shorter version of a tennis game and all the advantages that this brings (less fatigue, less time to work, less injury risks, etc). Bettors may also prefer the BO3 format when it’s easier for them to make more accurate predictions for shorter matches every time they place their wagers on trusted online betting Malaysia sites. Or they may prefer the BO5 when they want extra time available for live betting.
When asked about his preferences for the tennis format, Rafael Nadal responded that he likes the BO5 sets much more than the typical BO3, particularly because it requires different kinds of skills and different mentality from the players and it is these competencies that in the end get to decide the winner.
On the other hand, Novak Djokovic responding to the same issue, explained that he prefers the best-of-three sets since this format is less likely to cause fatigue and injuries to players, who are called to deal with one of the most packed sports calendars in the world. The truth is that tennis has the longest seasons of all other sports, beginning in January and ending in November.
The best-of-five sets are nowhere else to be found except the four majors. All ATP and WTA tours typically have best-of-three, while the Grand Slams have the best-of-five sets as a rule for winning. The BO5 rule was introduced by Wimbledon back in 1877 and has remained since then with the four ultimate tennis tournaments. And while it only concerns men’s matches, there are now voiced thoughts about making it also the case for women’s games.
Quite obviously having the best-of-five sets is not the same as having the best-of-three sets determining the winner. There are different requirements from the athletes and there is a whole narrative built in a format that by definition is deemed to last longer than the typical BO3 matches.
There is a whole story unfolded in a match that lasts longer and a whole different player is performing in such a game. Everything is magnified, scrutinized, and becomes subject to interpretation and of course subject of staking at betting sites like 20Bet. Players have more time to develop and fine-tune their strategies, adjust their tactics, change their game if necessary, and eventually display their holistic approach to tennis.
They also have more opportunities to demonstrate their superiority and unique skills that will eventually push them to the top and they get to be, in the end, more respected by fans and audiences when they dominate in the longest format. Because, let’s face it, the longest format equals more strength, more tennis capabilities, greater endurance, more strategic thinking, and better mentality in the minds of tennis fans.
It seems that fans, spectators, and audiences get to enjoy BO5 tennis more than they enjoy BO3 because they find it to be a more accurate and fair measure of the players’ superiority. That’s probably why winning a Grand Slam is the utmost goal of every tennis player and the ultimate milestone for every fan’s respect towards the player.
But there is also another reason, which only the hard-core fans understand. That’s the amazement they feel when they see the desire, strength, and incredible fitness that players exhibit to retain their highest performance for a long time in order to dominate in the end. And even if this “long time” is thought of as somehow “brutal” by some, for the tennis lovers is the absolute manifestation of the hard work, the dedication, and the entire essence of the sport.
