Tennis Players Share Their Thoughts on Match Scheduling
In the world of tennis, early mornings are part of the game for many athletes. However, some players, like 2023 U.S. Open champion Coco Gauff, don’t mind waking up early to compete. Gauff prefers morning matches over what she calls the “graveyard shift,” those late-night games that can stretch past midnight.
At the recent French Open in Paris, Gauff was scheduled for an 11 a.m. match against fellow American Madison Keys. Gauff, a 21-year-old from Florida, stated, “I can get up early. Once I get some food in me, I’m pretty much good.”
The All-Day Game of Tennis
Tennis matches can span the entire day at Grand Slam events, with organizers making decisions based on ticket sales and television contracts. The French Open and other major tournaments often feature night matches that can run until the early hours, creating a challenging situation for players and fans alike.
In Paris, matches can start as early as 11 a.m. or as late as 8:15 p.m., sometimes even later. For athletes and supporters wanting to catch their favorites, this often leads to frustration. A topic of debate among fans is why the first match of the day typically involves women, leaving many empty seats just as the day begins.
Madison Keys Prefers Daytime Matches
Keys, ranked 7th and originally from Illinois, shared a lighthearted wish to avoid any late-night matches in the future. “If I could never play at 1 a.m. again, I would be so happy,” she said. She enjoys the certainty of earlier matches, which allows for a more predictable routine.
Unlike team sports, where schedules are set far in advance, tennis players often find out their match times just a day before, making it difficult to plan. Players must adjust to various conditions, from weather changes to the court surface.
The Challenge of Early Starts
The early morning routine can be tough. Holger Rune, a 10th seed in the French Open, reflected on his experience with 9 a.m. matches. “You have to wake up at 6. It’s a struggle,” he noted.
American player Emma Navarro, who reached the U.S. Open semifinals last year, also expressed her preference for earlier matches as she values her sleep. “If it’s dark outside, I’m probably sleeping,” she mentioned.
Individual preferences vary widely in the sport. While young stars like Carlos Alcaraz prefer to play during the day, others, like Alexander Zverev, enjoy the nighttime matches. But players like Lorenzo Musetti remain adaptable, stating he will take whatever schedule is given to him.
In the ever-evolving sport of tennis, balancing the demands of competition with personal preferences remains a challenge.
