Serena Williams drawn into debate over husband Alexis Ohanian's comments post Grand Slam 2025
After witnessing one of the most grueling matches in recent Grand Slam history—the semifinal showdown between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner—Alexis Ohanian, entrepreneur and husband of tennis legend Serena Williams, offered a candid opinion on social media.
His statement, seemingly simple, stirred a flurry of fan reactions and rekindled a long-standing debate in tennis: the relevance of the five-set format in men's matches. While many stood by the endurance and drama of the Alcaraz–Sinner match, Ohanian raised a different point—about tension, pacing, and viewer engagement.
'I think we're playing a completely different sport': Why did Ohanian's comments spark debate in the tennis world
In a post that went viral within hours, Alexis Ohanian wrote:
'I first got into tennis because of the women's game.
I fell in love with how every point mattered. Then I watched my first 5 set men's match and was confused why this diluted the tension — these early sets felt more like warm-ups than high stakes.'
'I understand the history of 5 sets in men's Grand Slam tennis — but from an entertainment standpoint, I prefer the format where every point matters more.'
The timing of the post—just after Alcaraz defeated Sinner in a five-hour French Open battle—drew significant attention from fans and sports media.
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While many praised Ohanian for highlighting the compact intensity of the women's three-set matches, others argued that the very endurance and momentum shifts of five-set tennis are what make men's Grand Slam clashes legendary.
The topic also touched deeper issues. According to Wikipedia and other sources, the men's five-set format has long been seen as a benchmark for stamina and psychological resilience. On the other hand, critics argue that the women's game often delivers greater drama in a shorter span.
Serena Williams herself, one of the greatest in the sport, once commented in a 2013 interview: 'I think we're playing a completely different sport.
'
Ohanian, known for championing equal pay and investing in women's sports, likely intended to elevate the unique strengths of the women's format—not downplay the men's. However, as many fans saw it, the timing of his comments—coinciding with one of the most thrilling men's matches in recent memory—sparked misunderstanding.
Ohanian's words tapped into more than just format preferences; they reignited a conversation about how we experience tennis. For some, the lengthy tension of five-set matches builds storylines and epic comebacks. For others, the condensed format of the women's game offers faster emotional payoffs. The truth may lie somewhere in between. Rather than choose one over the other, perhaps it's time tennis embraces the idea that greatness comes in many forms—whether it's decided in three sets or five.
What's certain is that the sport, like its fans, thrives on passion—and debates like this keep it evolving.
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