Grand Slam Players Launch Advisory Council After 2am US Open Match Rekindles Scheduling Row
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Aug 31
Grand Slam Players Launch Advisory Council After 2am US Open Match Rekindles Scheduling Row
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Aug 31
Summary
A new Grand Slam players advisory council will begin after the US Open, giving players a formal voice in how the four majors are run amid renewed anger over late-night scheduling.
The latest flashpoint came in New York, where Sofia Kenin beat Venus Williams shortly after 2am after Novak Djokovic's five-set loss to Mariano Navone pushed their Arthur Ashe match past midnight.
Players say such finishes disrupt recovery, sleep and preparation, while sparse crowds by the end undercut the fan appeal of night sessions.
Tournament organizers keep the split day-night format because it doubles ticket-selling opportunities and boosts broadcast value; ESPN's US Open deal is worth $2.04 billion through 2037.
The council emerges from a broader dispute over revenue shares, recovery time and media duties, with any move to curb late finishes potentially colliding with broadcasters' financial interests.