{"id":10437,"date":"2023-10-03T15:44:05","date_gmt":"2023-10-03T15:44:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/australian-open-extends-to-15-days-the-express-tribune\/"},"modified":"2023-10-03T15:44:05","modified_gmt":"2023-10-03T15:44:05","slug":"australian-open-extends-to-15-days-the-express-tribune","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/news\/australian-open-extends-to-15-days-the-express-tribune\/","title":{"rendered":"Australian Open extends to 15 days | The Express Tribune"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\nSYDNEY:
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Australian Open<\/a> said Tuesday it is adding a day to become a 15-day event in an effort to curb late-night matches — after Briton Andy Murray notably played until 4:05 am.<\/p>\n

The annual Melbourne-based tournament, the first of Four Grand Slam contests each year, will now start a day earlier on a Sunday.<\/p>\n

“We have listened to feedback from the players and fans and are excited to deliver a solution to minimise late finishes,” Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said.<\/p>\n

“The additional day will achieve this, benefiting scheduling for fans and players alike.”<\/p>\n

The Australian Open did not specifically mention Murray’s late-night match in Melbourne this year, which set off public debate about the tournament’s schedule.<\/p>\n

Murray memorably asked during his epic five-set victory: “Why are we playing at 3 am?”<\/p>\n

His five-hour, 45-minute match against Australian player Thanasi Kokkinakis finally ended at 4:05 am.<\/p>\n

“It’s not beneficial for the umpires, the officials. I don’t think it’s amazing for the fans. It’s not good for the players,” he said after the match in January.<\/p>\n

The Australian Open said data showed matches are now longer.<\/p>\n

Next year’s tournament will\u00a0 be played from January 14-28.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n