Pam Shriver has reignited the debate over whether men’s Grand Slam matches should be shortened from the traditional best-of-five sets to best-of-three, after both Novak Djokovic and Ben Shelton picked up injuries during gruelling encounters at the US Open.
Shriver, a five-time doubles champion in New York and now one of America’s most prominent voices in tennis commentary, argued that the men’s format is increasingly out of step with the modern demands of the sport.
She pointed to punishing travel schedules, extreme weather, and a deeper competitive field that makes even early-round matches physically draining.
“I understand the tradition of men playing three of five sets in majors,” Shriver posted on X.
I understand the tradition of men playing 3 of 5 sets in majors, but given the way tennis is played now, the demands of more travel, more extreme heat & the depth in the game making early rounds more demanding, we need to have a shorter format. I hope Ben & Novak are ok.
— Pam Shriver (@PHShriver) August 30, 2025
“But given the way tennis is played now, the demands of more travel, more extreme heat & the depth in the game making early rounds more demanding, we need to have a shorter format. I hope Ben & Novak are ok.”
Her comments followed a difficult Friday evening for American star Shelton, who was forced to retire mid-match with a shoulder injury.
The 21-year-old, a semi-finalist at Flushing Meadows last year, had thrilled the home crowd by taking the opening set against French veteran Adrian Mannarino, only to aggravate his shoulder chasing down a ball in the third.
Shelton received on-court treatment but was visibly hampered.
After dropping the fourth set and calling the physio again, the match was stopped.
The youngster left Louis Armstrong Stadium in tears, cutting short what many hoped would be another deep run.
Hours later, attention turned to Djokovic, who took on Britain’s Cameron Norrie in a match that stretched into the early hours of Saturday.
The four-time US Open champion won 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 but not before giving fans a scare when he pulled up with a back problem late in the first set.
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Novak Djokovic struggled with his back during his US Open win over Cam Norrie
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The Serb required repeated treatment and took a medical timeout, raising concerns that another injury might derail his campaign.
Djokovic tried to play down the issue in his on-court interview.
“Yeah, it’s all right. You have some ups and downs… You don’t want to reveal too much to the rivals listening and watching this interview! I’m good. I’m as young as ever, as strong as ever,” he said with a smile.
“Yes. It’s New York. Even if you’re feeling something body-wise, the energy that you’re feeling in this court just overrides it.”
The 24-time Grand Slam champion then turned to a positive note, highlighting his service display.
“Overall, it was probably the best serving performance of the tournament,” Djokovic added, having struck a personal-best 18 aces.
“Of course, I’m glad for that. It’s probably one of the most, if not, the most important shot in the game.
"So I’m glad how I executed that shot.”
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Ben Shelton was emotional after being forced to pull out of the US Open
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Djokovic now faces Jan-Lennard Struff in the round of 16.
As for Shelton, he'll be hoping to recover quickly ahead of January's Australian Open.