U.S. Open players push back against record number of late-night finishes
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 6, 2026, 7:02 PM
Last updated Sep 6, 2026
The U.S. Open has recorded three post-2 a.m. finishes within the tournament's first six days, drawing criticism from players regarding scheduling. Alexander Zverev, Jessica Pegula, Ben Shelton, and Aryna Sabalenka have voiced concerns over the physical toll and disrupted recovery schedules caused by matches concluding well after midnight. This year's tournament has seen four of the 17 latest finishes in event history, including a 12:13 a.m. start for Venus Williams' match against Sofia Kenin. While tournament officials balance broadcast requirements and ticket sales, players have contrasted the schedule with other major events that maintain earlier nightly cutoffs. The late-night play has forced athletes to adjust their sleep schedules and routines, with some competitors reporting difficulty recovering for subsequent matches.
- •The U.S. Open has set a record with three post-2 a.m. match finishes this year.
- •Alexander Zverev became the first top-seeded man to play back-to-back five-set matches to start a major.
- •Players expressed concern that late finishes negatively impact recovery and daily schedules.
- •Four of the 17 latest finishes in the tournament's history have occurred during this year's event.
- •Wimbledon uses an 11 p.m. curfew, while the French Open limits its schedule to one night match.
- 7:02 PMYahoo Sports — Empty seats, tired stars: The US Open’s post-2 a.m. finishes spark a pushback
"With empty seats everywhere after he finished his U.S. Open first-round match in the early morning hours, he took two questions from reporters on the court and quickly wrapped it up. Players have long loved the electricity of night matches at the U.S. Open, where tennis under the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium is a hallmark of the American Grand Slam tournament, with fans staying late and bringing plenty of energy.
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