Tennis: WTA and ATP to restrict number of evening matches to curb late-night finishes

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) and men's Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) have jointly announced on Tuesday new scheduling regulations that restrict evening matches to two per court and per day, with a recommended start time of 1830 local time to curb matches from concluding in the early morning hours.

The Australian Open will switch to a Sunday start and be held over 15 days instead of 14 for the first time this year in a bid to avoid late finishes, organizers said in October.

There will be no more than five matches per day per court, with three matches during the day session and two matches during the evening session, the organizing bodies said.

"No matches (will) go on court after 11 p.m., unless approved by the WTA/ATP supervisor in consultation with WTA/ATP management," the statement added.

The matches that do not commence by 10:30 p.m. local time will be moved to an alternative court by no later than 11:00 p.m. local time, with the night sessions to begin no later than 7:30 p.m. local time.

The WTA and ATP events will enforce new regulations from January as part of a one-year trial, with further review to follow.

A strategic review of tennis balls used on the tours is also underway, the organizers said, to deliver greater ball consistency within tournament swings for players.

"It is important that these initiatives are fully aligned between the two Tours and will allow for athletes to perform at their highest levels, providing for an improved athlete and fan experience," WTA Chairman and CEO Steve Simon said.

"The athlete's direct feedback in cooperation with our event members has been terrific in allowing us to continue modernizing our sport."