Late Nights at the US Open Raise Concerns for Semi-Finalists

The US Open has been living up to its reputation as the city that never sleeps, with late-night matches pushing players like Ben Shelton and Alexander Zverev to their limits. As the tournament progresses, questions of fairness and player fatigue come to the forefront.

Midnight Matches and Sleep Deprivation

Ben Shelton's thrilling victory over Carlos Alcaraz, which concluded at 3:34am, is just one of several matches that have ended in the early hours of the morning. Zverev, who has experienced similar late finishes, admitted to going to bed as late as 6:45am during the tournament, leaving him feeling jet-lagged. “I feel like I’m playing the Australian Open in New York right now,” he remarked, highlighting the toll these late nights can take on players.

Contrasting Preparation Times

As Shelton prepares to face 11th seed Frances Tiafoe in the semi-finals, Tiafoe benefits from a more traditional match schedule, having finished his quarter-final before 7pm. Matt Little, former strength and conditioning coach for Andy Murray, noted that players who compete earlier in the day gain a significant advantage, having the opportunity for a full night’s rest. “The advantage of the opponent who has played earlier in the day will be big,” Little stated, emphasizing the impact of sleep on performance.

Calls for Change Amidst Tradition

The issue of late finishes is not new. Players and commentators alike, including 18-time Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova, have voiced their concerns, labeling the situation as “not OK and not normal.” While some argue that these thrilling late-night matches are part of the US Open's charm, others propose starting night sessions earlier to alleviate the problem. Yet, with television schedules and the realities of New York nightlife at odds with these suggestions, a consensus remains elusive.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk