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SYDNEY:
The Australian Open mentioned Tuesday it’s including a day to turn out to be a 15-day occasion in an effort to curb late-night matches — after Briton Andy Murray notably performed till 4:05 am.
The annual Melbourne-based event, the primary of 4 Grand Slam contests every year, will now begin a day earlier on a Sunday.
“We’ve listened to suggestions from the gamers and followers and are excited to ship an answer to minimise late finishes,” Australian Open event director Craig Tiley mentioned.
“The extra day will obtain this, benefiting scheduling for followers and gamers alike.”
The Australian Open didn’t particularly point out Murray’s late-night match in Melbourne this 12 months, which set off public debate concerning the event’s schedule.
Murray memorably requested throughout his epic five-set victory: “Why are we taking part in at 3 am?”
His five-hour, 45-minute match towards Australian participant Thanasi Kokkinakis lastly ended at 4:05 am.
“It isn’t helpful for the umpires, the officers. I do not suppose it is superb for the followers. It isn’t good for the gamers,” he mentioned after the match in January.
The Australian Open mentioned information confirmed matches are actually longer.
Subsequent 12 months’s event will be performed from January 14-28.
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