New rules to curb late finishes introduced by WTA and ATP

The WTA and 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 18:30 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 such 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 pm, unless approved by the WTA/ ATP supervisor in consultation with WTA/ATP management,” the statement added.

The matches that do not commence by 22:30 local time will be moved to an alternative court by no later than 23:00 local time, with the night sessions to begin no later than 19:30 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 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.”