Bed at 6:45am - US Open semi-finalists fight effects of late-night finishes
New York is known as the city that never sleeps. But that comes at a price for US Open stars - including men's semi-finalists Ben Shelton and Alexander Zverev.
The US Open has once again highlighted the challenges that tennis players face when competing in late-night matches. The semi-finalists, Ben Shelton and Alexander Zverev, had to deal with the effects of finishing their matches in the early hours of the morning, with some players not getting to bed until 6:45am. This can have a significant impact on their physical and mental recovery, which is crucial for their performance in subsequent matches.
The issue of late-night finishes is not unique to the US Open, but it is particularly pronounced in New York due to the city's vibrant nightlife and the tendency for matches to run long. The tennis schedule is often dictated by television broadcasting rights, which can lead to matches being scheduled at times that are convenient for viewers but not necessarily for the players. This can have a ripple effect on the entire tournament, with players who are not well-rested potentially being at a disadvantage.
As the tournament progresses, it will be interesting to see how the players who had to endure late-night finishes will perform. Will they be able to recover in time for their next matches, or will the lack of sleep take its toll? The US Open's scheduling will also be under scrutiny, with many calling for more consideration to be given to the players' welfare. Fans and pundits will be watching closely to see how the tournament organizers respond to these concerns, and whether any changes will be made to the scheduling in future years.
Originally reported by bbc.co.uk. MyNews adds analysis for general news readers.