Should Padel Matches Go Best of 5?

Goldenpoint

While tuning into WPT Mexico, a thought crossed my mind: why not make all padel matches best of 5 instead of best of 3? Numerous matches wrap up in around or under 60 minutes, making it less engaging for fans trying to schedule their day around a match. Speaking from the perspective of advancing the game globally at the professional level. What's your take on this?

SHarris

Goldenpoint Interesting idea to extend matches for fans. But from a player standpoint, the athletic demands of padel with all the explosive movements could lead to increased injury risk going to 5 sets. Most pros structure training around best of 3. Would require an off-season adjustment both physically and mentally to play best of 5. Perhaps an alternative is introducing a 3rd set super tiebreak to 10 points if splits sets. Adds a uniqueness while limiting additional games.
Just my two cents : 🇦

padelrocks

The problem is the one-week tournament format where every pair plays. It would be better spread over two weeks for rest and longer matches, forcing teams to decide on participation. Seeing the same pairs in every semifinal every week is monotonous. Also, the golden point is awful.

Americano

In later rounds, even one-sided matches can go on for about 1.5 to over 2.5 hours. Comparing this to basketball (1:30) and football (2 hours), it might not be an improvement. Personally, it often messes up my plans, and my wife gives me looks when matches run longer. WPT experimented with Bo5 finals to address this but had issues with players facing cramps, so they reverted to Bo3.

nomansland

As a fan of 5-set tennis matches, having them from the early rounds feels like a bit much. Low attendance and interest in those matches might not justify it. However, having 5-setters in the semifinals and finals of the three or four major tournaments each year could be a great idea, in my opinion. Has this been attempted before?

padelfan

Having four tournaments throughout the year, each offering more points than any others, and being longer and more demanding sounds like a fantastic idea. It would encourage players to concentrate and prepare specifically for these events, and fans could treat them as the main highlights of the year. Personally, I don't usually invite my non-padel friends to watch games with me because they find it boring, but for a Grand Slam final, I absolutely would.