Full Breakdown
Late-Night Matches Push the U.S. Open Into Uncharted Hours
9/7/2026, 8:26:38 AM
Surge of Post-2 a.m. Matches
During the first week of the 2026 U.S. Open, several marquee contests concluded after 2 a.m., prompting players and observers to question the tournament’s scheduling. Alexander Zverev wrapped his opening-round match in the early morning and, when asked by reporters, said he believed “everybody’s tired” and that players “want to go to sleep.” Third-ranked Jessica Pegula acknowledged broadcast pressures but wondered whether finishes at 2 a.m. are appropriate for athletes. Venus Williams described a 12:13 a.m. start as “not ideal” for both competitors.
Historical Context and Comparisons
The U.S. Open has long been known for night play, but this year’s frequency of ultra-late endings eclipses prior norms. Wimbledon caps matches at 11 p.m., and the French Open schedules only one night match per day. The tournament’s all-time latest finish remains 2:50 a.m., set when Carlos Alcaraz defeated Jannik Sinner in the 2022 quarterfinals.
Player Reactions
Top-seeded Ben Shelton, after a three-hour-22-minute win that ended at 2:07 a.m., called the experience “not easy” and noted it was his first time playing this late. Aryna Sabalenka, who previously endured a late-night match two years ago, warned that “when you finish late, the next day shifts a lot,” emphasizing the impact on sleep and subsequent performance.
Data on Recent Late Finishes
- Zverev’s first two matches ended at 1:55 a.m. and 2:15 a.m., making him the first top-seeded man to play back-to-back five-set matches to start a major in the Open era (1968-present).
- Four of the latest 17 tournament-history finishes have occurred this year.
- Shelton’s second-round match extended to 2:07 a.m. after a three-hour-plus doubles match involving the Williams sisters.
Verbatim Quote
“When you finish late, the next day shifts a lot,” — Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka
These developments have sparked a broader discussion about player welfare and broadcast logistics, with calls for the U.S. Open to reassess its late-night scheduling practices.
