For the first time in history, the Australian Open have this week announced their Grand Slam tournament will be extended to 15 days – much like Roland Garris in Paris – a decision prompted after increasing backlash as five-time finalist Andy Murray finished one of his thrilling wins at 4am local time this season.
Those in charge are listening, at long last
Andy Murray was physically and mentally drained after a pair of thrilling five-set wins – first Matteo Berrettini, then Thanasi Kokkinakis – at the year’s first Major, before crumbling despite some encouraging signs vs. Roberto Bautista Agut in R3.
It was the 36-year-old’s longest-ever match of his career, finishing at 4.05am local time, and although the three-time Major champion will have been relieved to prevail in an exhausting contest against a local favourite, that victory came at a cost.
During a time where player welfare often feels non-existent at times, with more tournaments, less rest between big events and a never-ending tennis calendar thrust upon players, Murray – outspoken as ever – declared the situation a farce post-match and later revealed he only had three hours’ sleep before the RBA defeat.
The tournament director Craig Tley said they’ve listened to feedback, with this announcement coming as a welcome addition to kickstart the new year.
“We are excited to deliver a solution to minimise late finishes while continuing to provide a fair and equitable schedule on the stadium courts.
The additional day will achieve this, benefiting scheduling for fans and players alike. The first round will now be played over three days instead of two, also giving fans an extra day of unbelievable tennis, entertainment, food and family fun.”
This news means the number of sessions on the tournament’s biggest courts – Rod Laver, Margaret Court and John Cain Arenas – will increase from 47 to 52, while night sessions continue to have at least two matches on the order of play.
Poor scheduling and late finishes have been a regular talking point in recent months, so while the sceptics will highlight how the tournament stands to gain financially from spreading out the action into another day, they’ve followed Roland Garros by taking the initiative to begin their Grand Slam on a Sunday.
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