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French Open Adjusts Men’s Semi-Final Schedule Amid Player Concerns
The French Open has announced a notable alteration to its schedule, specifically impacting the men’s semi-finals. Tournament director Amelie Mauresmo revealed that the second semi-final match on this crucial day will now commence at 7:00 PM local time. This adjustment pushes the start time back by 90 minutes compared to the 2024 tournament, a move that has already sparked discussion given past player feedback regarding late scheduling.
Controversy Surrounding Delayed Match Times
This scheduling modification is likely to reignite debate after several prominent players, including Coco Gauff and Carlos Alcaraz, voiced their unease with late match times last year. Their criticisms were amplified following Novak Djokovic’s third-round match against Lorenzo Musetti, which concluded at 3:06 AM, marking a new record for the latest finish in the tournament’s history.
Night Session Introduced for Men’s Semi-Finals
Despite previous objections, Roland Garros organizers have opted to implement a night session for one of the men’s semi-final matches, scheduled for the second Friday of the competition. Mauresmo formally confirmed these plans during a pre-tournament press conference on Thursday, indicating the intention to delay the commencement of one of the anticipated matches.
Traditionally, the first men’s semi-final has commenced at 2:30 PM local time, with the subsequent match beginning no earlier than 5:30 PM. Under the revised schedule, the start times will be 2:30 PM and 7:00 PM respectively.
Potential Drawbacks of Extended Evening Play
This scheduling shift carries inherent risks. Should a semi-final evolve into a protracted five-set encounter, lasting upwards of four hours, competitors could remain on the court until after 11:00 PM.
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Accounting for post-match obligations, athletes might not depart the venue until the early hours of Saturday morning, facing a swift turnaround for the championship match slated for 3:00 PM on Sunday.
Recalling Lengthy Matches and Player Reactions
In the 2024 French Open, Alcaraz’s semi-final victory over Jannik Sinner extended to four hours and five minutes across five sets. In contrast, the semi-final between Alexander Zverev and Casper Ruud was shorter, with Ruud experiencing illness and losing in four sets.
Players’ enthusiasm for late-night matches appears limited. During the previous year’s tournament, Djokovic and Musetti began their third-round match at 10:30 PM on the first Saturday, concluding after 3:00 AM on Sunday.
Subsequently, eventual champion Alcaraz commented on Djokovic’s match: “I observed Novak’s game. Its commencement was excessively late, to be frank.”
World No. 4 Gauff highlighted the arduous recovery process post-match, suggesting players likely wouldn’t leave the grounds before 6:00 AM after cool-downs and media engagements.
Player Perspectives on Late Scheduling
“I firmly believe it is detrimental to well-being. It might be inequitable for those compelled to compete late, as it disrupts one’s schedule,” Gauff asserted.
Iga Swiatek, a four-time French Open champion, concurred, stating: “It is demanding to perform and then it’s not as though we can immediately fall asleep post-match.”
“Typically, it requires approximately four hours to unwind, and recovery and media obligations are necessary. The exertion does not cease at match point.” Swiatek elaborated.
Jamie Murray, tournament director of the ATP 500 event at Queen’s, observed: “I appreciate the complexities involved; however, situations where individuals conclude matches at three o’clock are undesirable. By the time they retire to bed, it is likely 6:00 AM, leading to exhaustion the following day, and subsequent days become equally challenging.”