Carlos Alcaraz demands grand slam change after 3.30am US Open finish

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Carlos Alcaraz has called on grand slam organisers to institute an 11pm cap on play, having grown exhausted by late-night finishes following his exit from the US Open at 3:33am earlier this month.

The Spaniard was defeated by Ben Shelton in the quarter-finals, setting a record for the latest conclusion in the history of the New York tournament.

Earlier in the opening week, three separate encounters went past 2am, two others stretched well past midnight, and Venus Williams took to the court for a late fixture that did not commence until 12.13am.

“I think it’s too much,” seven-times Grand Slam champion Alcaraz told reporters in London on Thursday ahead of the Laver Cup.

“The last match people stayed but if that match was played earlier, the court could have been packed.

“I would like to change the schedule a little with a maximum finish at 11pm, or whatever would be better.”

The United States Tennis Association, which organises the US Open, did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment outside regular business hours, but the body has said it will evaluate scheduling options in the future.

Measures have already been introduced at other major tournaments to prevent late finishes, with Wimbledon halting play under an 11pm local curfew and the French Open restricting evening sessions to a single fixture.

These concerns reflect growing frustration among elite players regarding intense demands and a congested tournament schedule.

Andre Agassi, captain of Team World at the Laver Cup, emphasised that players require assured rest periods once the season concludes.

“It would be my hope (for) an off-season of some relative form of security for both the players, but also for the fans so that they look forward to the game,” the eight-time grand slam champion told reporters.

“I think in a lot of cases, tennis would benefit from that.”

When questioned about where the Laver Cup, which is named after Australian great Rod Laver and borders on being an exhibition event, fits into the tennis schedule, Agassi replied: “I think this is a fantastic event.

“I’d hate to see the compromise ever come on an event like this that is hosted under such a magnificent name and person that none of us would be here today without in this game.

“So this wouldn’t be the place I would choose to cut some edges. But I would like to see these awesome athletes always be at their best. I think everybody wins with that.”