PARIS — Australian tennis star Alex de Minaur has joined a growing chorus of players criticizing the French Open's scheduling policies, labeling them "ridiculous" after late-night matches disrupted recovery and preparation for competitors at Roland Garros.
Players Voice Frustration Over Late-Night Matches
De Minaur, the 11th seed at this year’s tournament, expressed his frustration after his third-round match against Jan-Lennard Struff stretched past midnight due to a delayed start. "Finishing at 1 a.m. is just not acceptable," he told reporters. "We're expected to perform at our best, but how can we when the schedule is so unfair?"
The issue isn’t isolated to de Minaur. Several players, including Daniil Medvedev and Iga Świątek, have voiced concerns over the tournament’s refusal to implement a curfew, unlike other Grand Slams. Wimbledon and the US Open enforce strict cutoffs, ensuring matches don’t run excessively late.
Key Complaints from Players:
- Matches ending well past midnight, leaving players with minimal recovery time
- No consistent policy for suspending matches due to darkness or weather delays
- Lack of consideration for player health and performance in scheduling decisions
Tournament Organizers Defend Scheduling
French Open director Amélie Mauresmo defended the scheduling, citing the tournament’s commitment to maximizing broadcast windows and fan engagement. "We understand the players' concerns, but we also have to consider the global audience," she said in a press conference.
However, critics argue that player welfare should take precedence. Former world No. 1 Andy Roddick took to social media, stating, "There’s no reason a Slam should have players finishing at 3 a.m. It’s disrespectful to the sport and the athletes."
Calls for Change Grow Louder
The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), led by Novak Djokovic, has called for urgent discussions with Grand Slam organizers. "We need enforceable rules that protect players from unreasonable scheduling," a PTPA spokesperson said.
De Minaur echoed the sentiment, adding, "It’s not just about me—it’s about the next generation. We can’t keep pretending this is normal." His comments reflect a broader push for reform, with players demanding:
- A standardized curfew for night sessions
- Earlier start times for matches to avoid late finishes
- More input from players in scheduling decisions
Conclusion: A Tipping Point for Tennis?
As the French Open progresses, the debate over scheduling shows no signs of slowing down. With top players uniting against what they see as an outdated system, pressure is mounting on tournament organizers to reconsider their approach.
De Minaur summed up the frustration: "We love this sport, but we shouldn’t have to sacrifice our health for it. Something has to change." Whether Roland Garros will listen remains to be seen, but the calls for reform are louder than ever.