There will no longer be matches in tennis until dawn in the future. In order to achieve this, the organizers of the women’s and men’s tour have decided on new rules.
The tour organizations ATP and WTA have decided on a reform to shorten the night sessions in tennis. These are no longer allowed to start after 7.30 p.m., although the recommendation is 6.30 p.m.
In addition, no matches may be started after 11 p.m. Games in which the professionals are not yet on the court at 10:30 p.m. must be moved to another court. There are only exceptions in exceptional weather conditions and with the approval of the ATP/WTA.
Due to criticism of the night sessions, the Australian Open will start on a Sunday (January 14th) for the first time this year. Last year, former Wimbledon champion Andy Murray complained after his match ended at 4:05 a.m. “It’s ridiculously late,” said the Scot. “If my child was a ball child at the tournament and came home at five o’clock, we as parents would complain.”
Criticism also from Zverev
Olympic champion Alexander Zverev criticized the excessive sessions at the French Open. “If we play five sets, it can last until two in the morning. That’s no longer so healthy for the player who wins the match and then has to play again the next day, like now,” said the 26-year-old said after his third round win against Frances Tiafoe.
The match started at 8:30 p.m. and ended after four sets at 12:18 a.m.
Source: Stern
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