Martina Navratilova criticizes US Open scheduling over late-night match finishes

Martina Navratilova has called for changes to the US Open schedule following several instances of matches concluding after midnight. The criticism follows a late-night quarterfinal encounter between Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Tournament organizers have faced consistent pushback from players regarding the late starts, which were exacerbated by long matches earlier in the day. Venus Williams previously noted that finishing matches after 2 a.m. is not ideal for athlete health or performance. The 2026 tournament has recorded three finishes past 2 a.m. within its first six days. While organizers cite the prestige of Arthur Ashe Stadium and seating capacity as reasons to keep marquee matches on the main court, the frequency of these late-night sessions continues to draw scrutiny from across the sport.

• 10:30 PMYahoo Sports — 'Not normal' US Open scheduling under-fire after late-night finishes
• 5:05 AMYahoo Sports — “Not Normal” — Martina Navratilova Demands Change After Carlos Alcaraz-Ben Shelton Blunder at US Open