The 2024 Australian Open will begin on a Sunday, changing into a 15-day occasion for the primary time.
There had been rising issues over late finishes with so many matches scheduled on the opening Monday.
Last 12 months, the second-round match between Andy Murray and Thanasi Kokkinakis didn’t end till 4:05am – which the British former world primary described as “ridiculously late”.
The new Sunday begin will see a rise within the variety of periods throughout the three arenas from 47 to 52.
The day session at Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court Arena will function a minimal of two matches, which is down from three, to restrict the potential of late finishes.
Night periods, in the meantime, will proceed to function a minimal of two matches and the John Cain Arena schedule additionally stays unchanged.
Murray has mentioned that whereas he completely satisfied to see tennis lastly addressing its late night time behavior – the 36-year-old just isn’t ruling out extra lengthy days at this 12 months’s Australian Open.
“I don’t think the Sunday start will change the late finishes,” mentioned Murray. “I think on centre court they’re having two matches in the day, two matches in the evening.
“I think that will reduce the possibility for late finishes on Rod Laver just because it’s unlikely you’re going to have issues with the day session running into the night, then having that gap where they have to clear out the stadium and get the night session fans in.”
Meanwhile the ATP and WTA introduced earlier this week a brand new scheduling coverage proscribing the variety of matches performed per day at tournaments and setting a deadline of 11pm for contests to begin.
Murray welcomed the excursions’ new guidelines, saying: “It’s really good. I’ve spoken about it, I’ve heard lots of players and the media, obviously, discussing it for a long time. It just makes sense. It’s a very obvious thing that needs to change.
“I haven’t heard anyone really disagree with that. So it’s positive that there’s going to be some changes made. It will be good for, I think, everyone. It will definitely help with recovery for following day’s matches and things like that.
“I certainly think, for fans and the tournament, it just probably looks a wee bit more professional if you’re not finishing at three or four in the morning.”
Australian Open event director Craig Tiley hopes the brand new preparations will assist alleviate the stress on late-night finishes for each the gamers and the followers.
“We’ve listened to feedback from the players and fans and are excited to deliver a solution to minimise late finishes while continuing to provide a fair and equitable schedule on the stadium courts,” Tiley mentioned.
“The additional day will achieve this, benefiting scheduling for fans and players alike.
“The first round will now be played over three days instead of two, also giving fans an extra day of unbelievable tennis, entertainment, food and family fun.
“Every year our team works hard to bring fans an event that feels new and exciting, and this is another opportunity to grow what is already the biggest annual sporting event in the world in January.”
Source: www.impartial.co.uk