Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev reiterated his call on Monday for the Australian Open to commence its night sessions earlier, following a series of recent matches that concluded after midnight at Melbourne Park, though he acknowledged that such changes were unlikely.<\/p>\n
Medvedev said the late finishes at the year’s first Grand Slam, which begins on January 18 in Melbourne, were unjust to players, fans, and officials and did not benefit anyone.<\/p>\n
However, he acknowledged<\/a> that television networks’ priorities would prevent any alterations.<\/p>\n “It never will, because TV’s controlling everything and I think there is always a reason why it (starts at) 7:00 pm and not 6:00 pm,” said Medvedev, who has suffered from matches finishing in the early hours of the morning in his last two Australian Open<\/a> appearances.<\/p>\n “And again, I’m happy to play the night session if I need to, and I would not cry about it,” he added.<\/p>\n The Australian Open hosts two matches during its evening sessions, which kick off at 7:00 pm on the main courts, and is infamously known for matches ending well past midnight.<\/p>\n In 2023, three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray’s five-hour and 45-minute duel with Thanasi Kokkinakis wrapped up at 4:05 am, prompting further calls for change.<\/p>\n In 2008, Lleyton Hewitt triumphed over Marcos Baghdatis in a match that concluded at 4:34 am, marking the latest finish<\/a> in Grand Slam history.<\/p>\n