The US Open is facing growing criticism over its late-night match scheduling, with players like Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula expressing their frustrations. As the tournament progresses, matches frequently extend past midnight, raising concerns about player fatigue and recovery.
Jessica Pegula, currently ranked among the top players in the world, voiced her concerns about the late finishes. "It’s tough. Almost every single night, the matches are finishing really late. I think it’s difficult, and I don’t think any of the players really like it," she stated. Pegula emphasized that the scheduling issues, driven by broadcast requirements, do not prioritize player well-being. "You have to wonder if it’s really the right thing for players to be finishing at 2 a.m., especially when it’s not like I’m watching on TV. I’m sleeping," she added.
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka echoed Pegula's sentiments, expressing her desire for earlier match finishes. "Of course, I would prefer to finish earlier so I can have my easy evening, watch TV shows, you know, have an extra meal," Sabalenka said. She highlighted how late finishes disrupt the players' schedules, making it challenging to maintain proper rest and recovery. "When you finish late, it’s just like the whole next day shifts a lot. You still need to get hours of sleep, so you start later, and it can really mess with your schedule," she explained.
The late-night scheduling issue was starkly illustrated during a recent match between Venus Williams and Sofia Kenin, which began at 12:13 a.m. ET, marking the latest start in US Open history. Originally intended for the Sunday night schedule, the match was delayed due to Novak Djokovic’s lengthy four-hour, 36-minute battle against Mariano Navone. By the time Williams and Kenin took to the court, many fans had already left, highlighting the negative impact of the scheduling on both players and spectators.
Venus Williams expressed her dissatisfaction with the timing, stating, "It was extremely late. I’ve never played a match that late before." She described the situation as "not ideal" and urged the tournament to find a better approach to scheduling in the future. The late-night finishes not only affect player performance but also diminish the experience for fans who attend the matches.
Despite the growing outcry, the US Open continues to prioritize its lucrative television contracts, which reportedly amount to nearly $170 million annually through 2037. The tournament's night sessions, which begin at 7 p.m. ET, allow for the sale of separate day and night tickets while showcasing top players during prime-time viewing hours. However, this financial incentive raises questions about whether player welfare is being sacrificed for the sake of revenue.
Stacey Allaster, a representative for the US Open, defended the current scheduling by stating that tennis matches have unpredictable finishing times. She noted that starting matches earlier could pose challenges for fans traveling to the venue. Additionally, Allaster argued that limiting the number of night matches would be unfair to ticket holders.
Coco Gauff also weighed in on the issue, warning that matches finishing at 3 a.m. are detrimental to players' health. After matches, players must fulfill media obligations, receive treatment, and eat before they can finally rest, further complicating their recovery process.
This is not the first time the US Open has faced criticism for its late-night scheduling. In 2022, a quarterfinal match between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner ended at 2:50 a.m. ET, setting a record for the latest finish in the tournament's history. As the tournament continues, the question remains: will the US Open prioritize player welfare or continue to chase prime-time ratings?
Leave a Comment