MELBOURNE – Andy Murray said on Jan 12 that the decision by the ATP and WTA tours to restrict the number of evening matches at their tournaments this season is a “positive” change, and that both players and fans would welcome fewer late-night finishes.
The men’s and women’s governing bodies jointly announced earlier in the week a one-year trial that will limit the number of evening matches played on a court to two each day, with a recommended start time of 6.30pm.
Crucially, no match on their tours will start after 11pm, while those fixtures which are unable to start on the court before 10.30pm will be moved to an alternative court.
The changes do not affect the four Grand Slam events, which are governed separately, though the Jan 14-28 Australian Open has already tweaked its scheduling to help avoid late finishes.
Murray, who had described his 4.05am finish in a contest with Thanasi Kokkinakis at Melbourne Park in 2023 as a “farce”, was unsure if the other Grand Slams were discussing similar measures but he said that the ATP and WTA approach made sense.
“It’s a very obvious thing that needs to change,” the Briton said at Melbourne Park. “I haven’t heard anyone really disagree with that. So it’s positive there’s going to be some changes made. It’ll be good for everyone.
“I would think about it from a player’s perspective. It’ll definitely help with recovery for the following day’s matches and things like that.
“And I certainly think for the 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.”
The Australian Open begins on a Sunday this season and is being played over 15 days for the first time, so as to spread out the matches over an additional day.
The French Open is also played over 15 days, while the US Open and Wimbledon are 14-day tournaments.
“We probably just need to see how it works out. But it’s really positive that they’re trying to make a change,” Murray added of the ATP and WTA decision.
“That’s the main thing, there’s sort of an acceptance now that we need to do something to address it and they made changes to try to do that.
“If it doesn’t, I’m sure they may move the start times... This is a good step. I think the players will be happy with it. Hopefully it works well.” REUTERS
