Jessica Pegula and Madison Keys recently spoke out about their frustrations with unexpected delays during tennis matches as they prepare for the upcoming US Open, scheduled to begin on August 24, 2025. Their comments highlight growing concerns over how scheduling issues impact athletes’ performance and well-being.
Madison Keys last competed in the third round of the Cincinnati Open, where she was narrowly defeated by Elena Rybakina in a three-set battle, 6-7(7), 6-4, 6-2. Meanwhile, Jessica Pegula exited the Cincinnati Open earlier, falling to Magda Linette in the second round. Despite these results, both players are focusing ahead on the hardcourt season and the intense competition at the US Open.
In a candid interview with the Guardian, Keys recounted a frustrating experience from the previous US Open. She described a situation where her match was delayed because two prior men’s matches extended to five sets, pushing her start time late into the night session. Keys voiced a strong opinion on the matter, calling for a ban on five-set matches for men to avoid such disruptions.
“I was third on, but I followed two men’s matches, they both went five sets and I went on after the night session [had begun]. And it was in that moment that I decided that we should ban five sets,” said Madison Keys.
Jessica Pegula shared a similar view, emphasizing the disadvantage players face when scheduled after lengthy matches in Grand Slams.
“If you’re in a grand slam and you follow a three-out-of-five-set match, and they go five, you’re screwed.”
Their concerns are echoed by other top athletes like Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka, who have also publicly debated the impact of match delays across various tournaments. This ongoing discussion highlights a broader challenge in managing tournament schedules fairly to protect player performance and audience engagement.
Breaking Age Barriers: Madison Keys Highlights Successful Career Longevity in Tennis
Beyond match scheduling issues, Madison Keys has also shared her views on challenging age-related perceptions in professional tennis. Speaking to the Tennis Channel during the Charleston Open earlier this year, Keys discussed how players in their thirties continue to compete at the highest levels, using herself and Jessica Pegula as examples.
Keys celebrated her victory at the Australian Open at age 29 and pointed to Pegula’s strong performance reaching the US Open final at age 31 as proof that peak tennis extends beyond the traditional “young” years.
“It’s actually amazing. I’ve had so many people come up to me and tell me that it was amazing that I did it. Obviously, I did it right before I turned 30, so everyone who is close to 30, 30, or 31 is still playing some of their best tennis,” Madison Keys said (5:20 onwards).
She further praised Pegula’s achievements, underscoring that age should not be seen as a limitation in the sport.
“Even Jess (Jessica Pegula) last year, making her first US Open final, everyone’s playing their best tennis. I feel like age is just a number, and as long as we’re having fun out there and playing well, I think it’s some of our best tennis,” she added.
Keys’ recent success also includes winning the Adelaide International title, where she defeated Pegula in the final, showing the competitive spirit continues to thrive among players regardless of age.
Implications of Match Delays and Future Considerations for Tournament Scheduling
The frustrations expressed by Pegula, Keys, and other leading players bring attention to the strain that inconsistent scheduling places on athletes, especially in Grand Slam environments where men’s best-of-five sets matches can significantly delay subsequent contests. This concern not only affects physical readiness but also mental focus, raising questions about fairness and athlete health.
The debate over banning five-set matches or restructuring tournament schedules could prompt organizers to reassess current formats, aiming for a more balanced and athlete-friendly approach in future events. As the tennis calendar fills with high-stakes matches and rigorous travel, adapting scheduling practices may become essential to maintain player performance and the sport’s appeal.
With the US Open approaching, fans and players alike will be watching closely to see if changes are made to reduce delays and ensure smoother match progression. The ongoing dialogue led by voices like Jessica Pegula and Madison Keys may influence how tournaments address this challenge in the years ahead, potentially reshaping the competitive tennis landscape.