From 2024, the Australian Open will take place over two weeks, one day more than usual, in order to avoid long matches in the middle of the night after Andy Murray notably finished a match at 4:05 a.m. during the 2023 edition. The first Grand Slam lift of the season will therefore begin a day earlier, on a Sunday, from the next season.
“We have listened to feedback from players and fans and are pleased to announce a solution to reduce late finishes of matches,” said tournament director Craig Tiley. The extra day will help achieve this goal and provide better programming for fans and players. »
“Why are we playing at 3 a.m.? »
The Grand Slam tournament played in Melbourne did not specifically refer to the meeting between Andy Murray and the Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis which, lasting 5h45, ended at 4:05am local time during the last edition. The Briton, winner in five sets, protested in the middle of the match: “Why are we playing at 3 a.m.? It’s not good for the referees, the officials. I don’t think it’s great for the fans. It’s not good for the players,” said the former world No. 1.
In 2024, the Australian Open will take place from January 14 to 28.
