The debate surrounding the five-set format in professional tennis has gained momentum following recent scheduling challenges at the US Open. The primary point of contention involves the physical toll on athletes and the logistical difficulties caused by matches that extend well into the early morning hours. For instance, a recent quarter-final match between Ben Shelton and Carlos Alcaraz concluded at 3:33 a.m. after lasting four hours and 28 minutes, setting a record for the latest finish in the tournament's history.

Proponents of the traditional five-set format argue that these matches provide the high-stakes drama and endurance tests that define the sport’s most prestigious events. They suggest that shortening matches would diminish the spectacle and remove the opportunity for players to mount significant comebacks. Conversely, critics argue that the current scheduling is unsustainable. They point to the negative impact on player recovery, the difficulty for fans to watch until the end, and the potential for late-night play to diminish the quality of the competition. While there is broad agreement that the current scheduling creates logistical hurdles, there is no consensus on whether the solution lies in changing the match format itself or simply adjusting tournament start times and scheduling protocols.