{
  "id": 6620315,
  "title": "Australian Open Reaffirms Five-Set Format After CEO’s Comments",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/australian-open-reaffirms-five-set-format-after-ceos-comments",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-10T17:17:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Front Office Sports",
    "slug": "front-office-sports",
    "url": "https://frontofficesports.com/article/australian-open-reaffirms-five-set-format/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Australian Open has clarified that it will retain the five-set format for its matches, despite CEO Andrew Abdo's earlier comments suggesting potential adjustments to attract younger audiences. Abdo stated that while innovation is part of the tournament's identity, five-set tennis will continue. The move comes after US Open matches have been ending late, with the latest finish being 3:33 a.m. ET on Wednesday during a quarterfinal at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Earlier in the tournament, the first-round matches between Serena Williams and Sofia Kenin began at 12:13 a.m. The record for the latest start was also set during the same match. Frances Tiafoe, a current player, acknowledged the appeal of five-setters despite their length, stating that while he dislikes the extended duration, the format is essential to the sport. Andy Roddick, a former Grand Slam winner, acknowledged the criticism but argued that the long format makes tennis unique and separates it from other sports.",
  "summary": "Andrew Abdo took over for Craig Tiley last month.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}