Alcaraz Advocates for Ending Late Matches at Grand Slams

Carlos Alcaraz has called for an end to late-night matches at Grand Slams after experiencing a record-breaking exit from the US Open. His quarterfinal match against Ben Shelton concluded at 3:33 AM local time in New York, marking the latest finish in US Open history.

The match, which started on a Tuesday evening, lasted four hours and 28 minutes, finishing on Wednesday morning. Alcaraz pointed out that while Wimbledon has a cut-off time of 11 PM, the US Open, French Open, and Australian Open do not have a designated time to halt play, leading to matches often extending late into the night.

He noted that finishing at such late hours disrupts athletes' recovery, stating, “You don’t go to bed until 6:30 or 7 in the morning.” Alcaraz, a seven-time Grand Slam winner, stressed that even matches finishing at midnight are too late and urged for necessary changes in scheduling.