"I decided we should ban five sets" - Madison Keys and Jessica Pegula make frustrations clear with unexpected match delays

Madison Keys and Jessica Pegula opened up about their frustration over unexpected match delays in a recent interview. The two are currently gearing up to compete at the US Open, which is slated to commence on August 24, 2025.

Keys was last seen in action during the third round of the Cincinnati Open, where she locked horns with Elena Rybakina. The Kazakh claimed a 6-7(7), 6-4, 6-2 win over Keys, progressing to the quarterfinals. Pegula meanwhile couldn't advance further than the second round in the Cincinnati Open, going down to Magda Linette.

The two are now preparing for the upcoming hardcourt Slam, and during a conversation with the Guardian, they discussed match delays.

Keys recalled an incident from last year's US Open, where her match got delayed due to two men's matches, both of which went to five sets. Voicing her frustration over that, she said:

“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.

Pegula also stated her opinion on the same matter, saying:

“If you’re in a grand slam and you follow a three-out-of-five-set match, and they go five, you’re screwed.”

Other top players such as Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka have also expressed their frustration with match delays at several tournaments.

Madison Keys opened up about breaking stereotypes in tennis, citing Jessica Pegula as an example

Madison Keys sat for a conversation with Tennis Channel in April amid her Charleston Open campaign. She made her feelings known about breaking stereotypes and becoming a source of motivation for players who see age as a barrier in tennis.

Looking back to her Australian Open victory at the age of 29, Keys said:

"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 commended Jessica Pegula's run at the 2024 US Open, where she reached the final at the age of 31:

"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."

Along with the Australian Open, Madison Keys also won the title at the Adelaide International, getting the better of Pegula in the final.