Carlos Alcaraz Advocates for Curfew at Grand Slam Matches

The debate over the best-of-five set format in men's tennis intensified during the US Open, as matches extended into the early morning hours. A notable example was Ben Shelton's five-set victory over Carlos Alcaraz on Arthur Ashe Stadium, which concluded after 3:30 AM, prompting concerns about player health.

Despite these concerns, Alcaraz remains a proponent of long matches. In an interview with Libertad, he stated that eliminating the best-of-five format would undermine the Grand Slam legacy, emphasizing that this format has been a defining characteristic of these tournaments.

However, Alcaraz suggested that the late finishes warrant a reevaluation of scheduling. During this year’s Laver Cup in London, he expressed that matches should ideally conclude by 11 PM, similar to Wimbledon’s current rule.

Wimbledon has successfully maintained a curfew, while the other Grand Slams—Australian Open, Roland Garros, and US Open—often feature night sessions that can lead to games running late into the night. Alcaraz's perspective may prompt the three tournaments to reconsider their scheduling practices as they prepare for the 2027 season, though changes may not be feasible for the upcoming Australian Open in January.