The US Open 2026 semi-finals have been a testament to the city's nocturnal spirit, with matches stretching into the early hours. But this has raised concerns about fairness for players like Alexander Zverev and Ben Shelton, who have been battling jet lag and fatigue. The late finishes have become a regular occurrence, with three of Zverev's five matches ending past 1am. This has led to a debate about the impact on players' performance and the need for better scheduling.
The issue is not just about the physical toll on players. It's also about the psychological impact of disrupted sleep patterns. As Andy Murray's former strength and conditioning coach, Matt Little, points out, a bad night's sleep can have a knock-on effect for days. This is especially true for Zverev, who has been going to bed as late as 6:45am, and Shelton, who finished his last match at 3:34am.
The situation has sparked a discussion about the future of Grand Slam tournaments. Some argue that starting night sessions earlier would help, but this is met with resistance from television executives and the practicality of New York life. Others suggest cutting back on the best-of-five sets format, which would reduce the risk of matches going into the early hours. However, this idea has been met with a backlash from players like Frances Tiafoe, who defend the traditional way of playing.
The US Open's early-morning matches have become a defining feature of the tournament, but they also raise questions about the well-being of players and the fairness of the competition. As the sport continues to evolve, it's crucial to find a balance that respects the players' health and the integrity of the game.
