When Ben Shelton’s quarterfinal against Carlos Alcaraz finally concluded at 3:33 a.m. Eastern time on Wednesday, the match set a new record for the latest finish in US Open history. The late ending has reignited the ongoing discussion about the tournament’s night‑session schedule and its effect on athletes, especially as Shelton prepares for a semifinal against Frances Tiafoe.
Why matches are running so late
The US Open, like two of the other Grand Slam events, splits each day into a daytime and a night session. This structure allows organizers to sell two batches of tickets for each court, effectively doubling potential revenue. High‑profile matches are typically reserved for the evening slot to capture prime‑time television audiences and attract fans who finish work later in the day.
Unlike Wimbledon, which imposes an 11 p.m. curfew, the US Open has no hard cutoff. Night sessions at Flushing Meadows do not begin until 7 p.m., and any delays can push start times well past midnight. This year’s schedule proved especially vulnerable: two marathon matches preceding Shelton’s quarterfinal delayed the night session by roughly 30 minutes, creating a perfect storm that led to the 3 a.m. finish.
Player concerns and health implications
Several players have voiced frustration with the late‑night format. Former champion Martina Navratilova warned on social media that the schedule is “not sustainable,” while former world No. 1 Boris Becker called it “simply too late to play tennis.” Current stars echo the sentiment. Women’s champion Aryna Sabalenka noted that a late finish forces athletes to shift their entire next‑day routine, compromising sleep and recovery. Venus Williams described a recent midnight start as “not ideal,” adding that she “doesn’t know any other sport where you have to start that late.”
Late finishes affect more than just rest. Players must still attend press conferences, complete proper cool‑downs, and refuel with meals and hydration—all essential for optimal performance. Shelton and Alcaraz, for example, will need to manage these responsibilities before heading into the semifinal round.
Potential solutions and challenges
Some suggest moving night sessions earlier to reduce fatigue and improve fan attendance. However, earlier start times could cut into lucrative television contracts and make it harder for spectators to travel to the venue during New York’s notorious rush hour. Tournament director Eric Butorac described scheduling as a “jigsaw puzzle,” acknowledging the difficulty of balancing revenue, broadcast demands, and player welfare. He noted that while a 6 p.m. start might be possible, the current 7 p.m. slot still feels “right” for now.
The USTA has indicated openness to suggestions, but no concrete changes are expected in the immediate future. Fans and players alike hope the organization will find a workable compromise that preserves the excitement of night tennis without sacrificing health and attendance.
What’s next for Shelton?
With the semifinal against Frances Tiafoe scheduled for Friday, Shelton will need to recover quickly from the grueling quarterfinal. The late finish could affect his sleep schedule, nutrition timing, and overall readiness. As Sabalenka warned, “when you finish late, the next day shifts a lot.” Shelton’s performance in the semifinals may hinge on how well he and his team can mitigate the fatigue caused by the unprecedented hour.
For now, the US Open remains a showcase of elite tennis, but the debate over night‑session scheduling is likely to continue as players, fans, and organizers weigh the costs and benefits of the current format.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
