Alcaraz pushes for midnight cutoff at Grand Slam tournaments

The Spanish tennis champion's plea comes after his title defence at Flushing Meadows concluded in the early hours of the morning, highlighting ongoing concerns about the physical and mental toll of extended matches at major tournaments.

Alcaraz, who is among the sport's top players, has become an outspoken advocate for change, arguing that late-night finishes compromise player welfare and fairness. His call reflects growing unease within professional tennis about matches stretching into dawn hours, which can disadvantage competitors scheduled for consecutive matches.

Grand Slam organisers have previously grappled with scheduling challenges, balancing television broadcasting demands across multiple time zones with player welfare considerations. The issue has gained prominence in recent years as several high-profile matches have extended well past midnight, drawing criticism from athletes and sports commentators alike.

Alcaraz's intervention adds weight to ongoing discussions within tennis governance about implementing stricter scheduling protocols. The proposal for an 11 p.m. cutoff would represent a significant shift in how major tournaments operate, though questions remain about implementation and exceptions for matches already in progress.