Three days after the new head of the Australian Open and the Australian Tennis Federation, Andrew Abdo, made controversial comments suggesting the tournament might move away from its traditional five-set format, the organization appeared to back away from those remarks on Thursday, September 10, according to social media posts. Abdo’s comments sparked debate among tennis fans and players worldwide. The five-set format is a hallmark of Grand Slam tennis, particularly in men’s matches, where the best-of-five sets are used to determine a winner. The idea of changing this format raised concerns about the sport’s traditions and the experience of players and spectators alike. The Australian Open, often referred to as the "Happy Slam" due to its vibrant atmosphere and the optimism it brings to the tennis calendar, has long been a staple of the sport. Fans and players alike have come to expect the five-set matches, especially in men’s singles, where the format is known for its intensity and dramatic finishes. On Thursday, the organization's social media accounts posted updates that seemed to distance themselves from the earlier suggestion of changing the format. While no official statement was released, the posts implied that the five-set structure would remain unchanged, at least for now. This retreat from the initial comments has been welcomed by many in the tennis community, who value the continuity and tradition that the format represents.