Kim Clijsters has responded to the ongoing debate about whether women should play best-of-five-set matches in the future.

The topic comes up often and has seen more discussion over the past week following comments from Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley, who said he wants to see women play best-of-five sets at the event next year.

Tiley’s remarks have divided opinion among players past and present, and Clijsters has now shared her view on the matter. She also spoke about how she believes it could affect Iga Swiatek.

Kim Clijsters says she would have liked to play best-of-five set matches

Clijsters never got the chance to play best of five set matches during her career, but speaking on her Love All podcast, she admitted it is something she would have enjoyed.

The four-time Grand Slam champion also discussed how the change could favour some players, suggesting Swiatek might be one of them.

“The five setter, when I heard him say that, I was like I kind of like that idea!. I think I would have liked it as a player. I think I would have really enjoyed the challenge and the physical challenge of it, as well as the mental challenge that comes with that.

“I remember asking Andy [Roddick] about what it’s like playing a five setter and how do you adjust your mindset to playing smaller tournaments throughout the year, where you have to win two sets to win the match. And how does it change your mind?

“It would definitely benefit a few players. The first one I can think of is Iga Swiatek. She is super fit and has that really high intensity tennis built in to her game now. I think it would be really hard to win three sets against her.

“There are a few players who have come out against it, but I would have loved to have seen a fourth or a fifth set in the women’s final.”

Although the Australian Open has been at the forefront of these discussions, there is also speculation that best of five set matches for women could debut at US Open instead.

Why Iga Swiatek might not be on board with five-set matches

Clijsters believes Swiatek could excel in a best-of-five format, but that does not mean the world number two is eager to see it introduced.

She has not responded directly to Tiley’s comments, but her past remarks about the tennis calendar hint that she might not welcome the change.

The Pole has been vocal about the demands of the schedule, echoing concerns raised by many others on tour.

“Well, when I look at the schedule, I think we’re playing too much, and the schedule is crazy,” Swiatek said in Beijing in 2025.

“That’s the first thing probably that will pop into my head. The schedule is really demanding and tough.”

Considering these comments, it is improbable that Swiatek, a consistent Grand Slam contender, would be willing to participate in an even more extended format across four annual tournaments.

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