US Open legend calls for rule change after Novak | Sports News

American tennis icon Pam Shriver is asking for a change in males’s Grand Slam matches, suggesting they be decreased from best-of-five units to best-of-three. This is available in mild of accidents suffered by Novak Djokovic and Ben Shelton on the US Open.

The present best-of-five format for males’s Grand Slam tennis was established alongside Wimbledon within the late nineteenth century. It stays the usual in any respect 4 main tournaments, in addition to the Davis Cup.

However, different ATP Tour occasions observe a shorter best-of-three set construction. With tournaments occurring back-to-back, the concept of shortening the length of Grand Slam matches has sparked a debate.

Now, with the US Open underway, Shriver, a five-time doubles champion at Flushing Meadows, has witnessed prime gamers like Djokovic and Shelton battle and is advocating for a change.

Local favourite Shelton confronted off in opposition to French veteran Adrian Mannarino at Louis Armstrong Stadium on Friday. The 2023 semi-finalist gained the primary set, misplaced the second, and appeared to injure his shoulder whereas trying to win the third.

Shelton acquired medical consideration halfway via the fourth set, however regardless of adjusting his play to accommodate the ache, he misplaced the set and as soon as again referred to as for the physio. The match was subsequently halted due to the shoulder damage, and a tearful Shelton exited the courtroom.

In a thrilling match, four-time US Open champion Djokovic went head-to-head with British participant Cam Norrie. The Serbian star clinched the primary set 6-4, however appeared to have injured his back and referred to as for a medical timeout.

Despite a setback within the second set, he managed to rally and secure a three-to-one set victory, though he needed remedy for his back problem a number of instances during the sport. Djokovic has a long historical past of grappling with accidents.

Earlier this 12 months in January, a leg damage compelled him to withdraw from his Australian Open semi-final match in opposition to Alexander Zverev.

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Following a night time marked by fitness considerations, Olympic gold medalist Shriver took to social media to call for a shorter format in males’s Grand Slam tournaments.

“I understand the tradition of men playing three of five sets in majors, but given the way tennis is played now, the demands of more travel, more extreme heat and the depth in the game making early rounds more demanding, we need to have a shorter format,” Shriver posted on X. “I hope Ben and Novak are ok.”

Next on the agenda, Djokovic will face off in opposition to German participant Jan-Lennard Struff within the spherical of 16. When questioned about his back troubles after his win in opposition to Norrie, he responded: “Yeah, it’s all right. You have some ups and downs.

“You do not need to reveal an excessive amount of to the rivals listening and watching this interview! I’m good. I’m as younger as ever, as sturdy as ever. Yes. It’s New York. Even in the event you’re feeling one thing body-wise, the vitality that you feel on this courtroom simply overrides it.”