Daniil Medvedev recently voiced his concerns regarding the scheduling of night session matches at the Australian Open. The three-time finalist highlighted that matches currently begin at 19:00 local time, often extending late into the evening. Medvedev’s comments came after some late finishes during the previous tournaments.
Concerns Over Late Finishes
Medvedev’s remarks echo those of fellow players, including Andy Murray. In 2023, Murray remarked on a match that ended at 04:05 am, calling the situation a “farce.” These late finishes have sparked discussions around making adjustments to the tournament schedule.
Proposed Scheduling Changes
Medvedev, who recently lost to Learner Tien in a match that concluded at 2:55 am, expressed that while he enjoys playing in night sessions, changes would benefit both players and fans. He suggested that the tournament should consider commencing matches earlier to avoid lengthy finishes.
- Medvedev stated that earlier matches would ensure more fans could watch.
- He compared the late-night scheduling to watching soccer from a different time zone.
- “People who really love tennis would like to see it at six,” he noted.
These observations signal a growing sentiment among players concerning match scheduling. A reformed timetable could enhance viewer engagement, ensuring tennis fans do not miss key moments of the matches.
