Nick Kyrgios renews calls for major rule change after Grigor Dimitrov's heartbreaking exit

Although Sinner went through, it was clear the match could have ended differently under another format — a point Kyrgios has raised on multiple occasions.

Speaking to talkSPORT’s "White and Jordan" show, Kyrgios said: “I feel like Sinner would have had strong belief in his game style that he was more than capable to win. But Dimitrov was playing such great tennis and executing the game plan perfectly. But Sinner is number one in the world for a reason.

“This was my solution to these kinds of matches: before the quarter-final, if it’s best of three sets, then that match is over and best of five sets after the quarter-finals. That would have been Jannik Sinner out of the tournament and we would not have seen this injury from Grigor Dimitrov if that was the case. But I think if Sinner had managed to sneak that third set, he probably would have started mounting that comeback.”

The Australian added: “Grigor Dimitrov, seeing him go down again, you could see how much that was hurting him. He was in tears at the end because he has had a really tough run at these Grand Slams.”

The five-set challenge shapes Grand Slam majesty

While Kyrgios isn’t alone in questioning the five-set format, others argue it’s exactly what makes Grand Slams unique.

The men’s events in particular have long been a measure of physical endurance as well as technical mastery. The format forces players to prepare for extreme conditions and recover quickly between matches — a true test of championship pedigree.

That’s what separated the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, who dominated these events for over two decades.

Dimitrov never had the chance to see if he could land the upset. But it’s these challenges — holding a lead, managing your body and finishing the job — that remain fundamental to the essence of Grand Slam tennis.