Australian Open expands to 15 days to curb matches going late into the night

This move comes in response to growing concerns about player and spectator fatigue, as well as the impact on TV viewership.
Traditionally a two-week event, the Australian Open will now extend to a 15-day tournament. This expansion aims to spread out the matches more evenly across the schedule, reducing the need for late-night sessions. Here’s how the new schedule is expected to work:
Day Matches: Day matches will be scheduled as usual, with play starting in the morning or early afternoon. This provides a familiar experience for players and fans who prefer daytime tennis.
Evening Matches: To minimize late-night play, the Australian Open will introduce earlier start times for evening sessions. Matches that would typically start at night will begin in the late afternoon or early evening.
Rest Days: Incorporating additional rest days into the schedule will help players recover between matches. This should reduce the physical strain and fatigue that can lead to late-night contests.
Sustainable Lighting: The tournament organizers are also investing in sustainable lighting solutions for the courts, allowing for better visibility during evening matches without relying solely on natural light.
Source:- abcEnhanced Entertainment: With the extended schedule, there will be opportunities for more entertainment and fan engagement activities during the day and evening, enhancing the overall experience for attendees.
The decision to expand the Australian Open has been met with mixed reactions. Some players and fans appreciate the effort to reduce late-night matches, as it can improve player performance and fan experience. However, others are concerned about the potential impact on player rest and recovery, especially in the later stages of the tournament.
Source:-Australian Open tvIn summary, the Australian Open’s expansion to a 15-day schedule aims to address the issue of matches running late into the night. By spreading out matches, incorporating rest days, and implementing sustainable lighting, the organizers hope to strike a balance between tradition and the evolving needs of the sport and its audience. The success of this initiative will be closely watched by tennis enthusiasts worldwide
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