The Australian Open will begin on a Sunday in 2024, changing into a 15-day occasion in a bid to cut back the strain on gamers and followers from late-night finishes.
Key factors:
- The Australian Open will happen over 15 days as an alternative of 14 in 2024
- The change ought to see very late night time finishes eradicated
- Former participant Louise Pleming stated the transfer was “implausible” for gamers
Calls have been rising to restrict the end instances in a crowded schedule on the season-opening grand slam occasion in Melbourne.
5-time finalist Andy Murray this yr performed a close to six-hour, five-set marathon towards Thanasi Kokkinakis that didn’t attain its conclusion till previous 4am, the previous world primary describing the end time as “ridiculously late”.
The 2024 match has been scheduled to run from January 14-28.
The Sunday begin will enhance the variety of classes on Melbourne Park’s three showpiece courts — Rod Laver Enviornment, Margaret Court docket Enviornment and John Cain Enviornment — from 47 to 52.
Day classes on Rod Laver and Margaret Court docket will function a minimal of two matches, fairly than three as beforehand, to restrict the potential for late finishes.
Evening classes will proceed to function a minimal of two matches.
Match director Craig Tiley stated the adjustments had come about after listening to suggestions from gamers and followers to restrict late finishes.
“The extra day will obtain this, benefiting scheduling for followers and gamers alike,” he stated in a press release on Tuesday.
“The primary spherical will now be performed over three days as an alternative of two.”
Former Australian tennis participant Louise Pleming advised ABC Melbourne that the change was factor.
“I believe it is implausible for all of the gamers,” Pleming stated.
“In fact, all of us keep in mind that match with Andy Murray and Thanasi [Kokkinakis], it is so onerous for these guys.
“They completed at 4am within the morning after which they need to do press … they’ve not completed … they nonetheless need to do an hour of labor.
“It is undoubtedly an obstacle for these gamers.”
Pleming stated whereas the change will make no distinction to the size of matches the gamers will play, it would cut back the quantity on every courtroom, resulting in earlier end instances.
“It’s a little bit of a convention,” Pleming stated of the late night time finishes on the Australian Open, however the gamers would profit from the change.
“We have seen so many nice matches through the years on the Australian Open.
“However … we’re at all times ahead pondering of how to enhance the occasion and I believe Craig Tiley is a type of guys who definitely is a shape-shifter with tennis and is at all times seeking to assist the gamers.”
AAP/ABC
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