Ahead of Australian Open 2024, WTA and ATP announce scheduling regulations to avoid late-night finishes

The men’s and women’s tennis bodies, ATP and WTA, announced scheduling regulations to scheduling to avoid late-night finishes in the 2024 season. Tennis matches, especially at Grand Slams, slipping into the next day has caused problems for fans as well as organisers in terms of scheduling. The ATP and the WTA, in a joint statement, recommended only 2 evening session matches per court on a matchday and 6:30 pm (local time) start time to ensure matches don’t slip into the following day.

The number of matches finishing after midnight has risen considerably in recent years, negatively impacting players and fans. This is tied to an increase in average match length on tour, the ATP said on Tuesday, January 9, days ahead of the start of the Australian Open 2024. Several players have raised concerns about scheduling in the recent past.

The ATP and the WTA said that these regulations will be implemented on a year-long trial basis in 2024 with a review at the end of the season.

The tennis bodies announced the following measures, saying they will be recommended to tournament organisers with effect from January 2024.

• No more than five matches per day per court (with an 11 a.m. start), with three matches during the day session and two matches during the evening session.
• No matches to go on court after 11 p.m., unless approved by the WTA/ATP supervisor in consultation with WTA/ATP management.
• Matches not on court by 10:30 p.m. to be moved to an alternative court — by no later than 11 p.m.
• Night sessions to begin no later than 7:30 p.m., with a recommendation for 6:30 p.m.

The ATP and WTA also said that tournament organisers may request waivers only in exceptional circumstances based on local cultural traditions, weather conditions, or other extenuating situations.

TENNIS BALLS REVIEW

Meanwhile, the ATP and WTA also announced a review of tennis balls that are being used to ensure greater consistency.

Historically, each individual tournament has had the ability to determine its own ball supplier or sponsor, leading to potential inconsistencies of balls used week-on-week.

The intention is to now move toward a more consistent and centralized approach by WTA and ATP. The goal is to deliver greater ball consistency within tournament swings for players and tighter certification and specification requirements for an enhanced end product, while not adversely affecting revenue streams for tournaments.