Alcaraz Criticized Late US Open Finish
The tennis star expressed frustration after a quarterfinal match ended at 3:33 a.m. in New York.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Tennis
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Should major sporting events ban matches that finish after midnight to protect athlete well-being?
Carlos Alcaraz recently voiced his disapproval of US Open night session scheduling following a marathon match against Ben Shelton. The contest finished at 3:33 a.m., marking the latest conclusion in the history of the tournament.
Why it matters
The athlete preferred an earlier start time to ensure the stadium stayed full for the duration of the match. His comments highlight ongoing concerns among players regarding the scheduling of night sessions at the Grand Slam.
The match lasted four hours and 28 minutes, ending the 18-match Grand Slam winning streak held by Carlos Alcaraz. Ben Shelton secured the victory with a final score of 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(7).
The players
Carlos Alcaraz
He is a professional tennis player who recently returned to competition following a four-month wrist injury.
Ben Shelton
He is a professional tennis player who defeated Alcaraz to advance in the tournament.
Venus Williams
She is a veteran professional tennis player who competed in a night session match that began at 12:13 a.m.
Sofia Kenin
She is a professional tennis player who played against Venus Williams in a first-round match.
The details
The quarterfinal at Arthur Ashe Stadium began after 11 p.m., following an initial match between Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro. Without a fixed start time, the players were forced to wait for the conclusion of the preceding event before taking the court.
Timeline
The quarterfinal match concluded at 3:33 a.m. in September 2026.
The Laver Cup is scheduled to be played in London from September 25-27, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This late-night finish and the subsequent loss significantly alter the Grand Slam landscape by ending a dominant 18-match win streak. The outcome impacts the remaining tournament bracket and forces a shift in expectations for player recovery and scheduling standards for the remainder of the season.
The match result guarantees a shift in the tournament bracket as Ben Shelton advances to the next round. Fans and analysts should note the physical toll of a four-hour and 28-minute match that concluded well past 3 a.m. for future performance projections.
The takeaway
The late-night scheduling of high-profile matches poses logistical challenges for both player recovery and fan engagement at the stadium. Tournament organizers face growing pressure to ensure that match timing reflects the physical demands of professional athletes.
Further reading
For more context on professional matches, visit the Tennis section.
Live Poll
Should major sporting events ban matches that finish after midnight to protect athlete well-being?
