US Open's late-night tennis marathons spark player fatigue concerns

The US Open has already notched three matches finishing after 2 a.m. during its first six days of play, alongside two additional contests extending past 1 a.m., creating unprecedented scheduling challenges at the prestigious Grand Slam tournament. Players and officials are increasingly concerned that the marathon late-night sessions are taking a toll, with competitors like Alexander Zverev visibly fatigued after early-morning finishes, leaving Arthur Ashe Stadium largely vacant during conclusion moments.

The tournament's tradition of night matches under lights has long been a hallmark of the American Grand Slam, drawing passionate crowds and creating electric atmospheres that players have traditionally cherished. However, the extreme scheduling this year has shifted perceptions, with athletes expressing frustration about exhaustion and the difficulty of competing at peak performance during the early morning hours.

Tournament organisers face a delicate balance between accommodating international television schedules and broadcast requirements while maintaining player welfare and spectator experience. The volume of overnight finishes has prompted fresh discussions among stakeholders about optimal match scheduling, with some questioning whether the current approach ultimately serves the sport's interests or compromises the quality of play when competitors are operating on minimal sleep.