Why matches for Australian Open start really late?

dickyzin

Can someone tell me why some matches for Australian Open start really late? For example, last night there was a match between Lleyton Hewitt and Marcos Baghdatis which started at 11:47pm and finished after 4am!! Why would anyone schedule this sort of time? Are they really tight for time? It's not fair for players as well as spectators. The players playing during the day may have a slight advantage.

Anyhow, last night's game was very good. Both players battled with sweat and blood. I fell asleep halfway through last night but I'm watching it again this morning. Razz

HDirtwater

I'm not sure about how the Austrialian schedules their matches, but for the US Open, there are a set number of matches on a given court. It's not uncommon for a night match to start very late due to a couple of 5-setters earlier in the day. I've had night tickets to the US Open and have been able to see the last set or two of some of the day matches becuase of this.

I know Federer had a long 5-set match before the Hewitt match, so maybe that delayed the start?

mattyj

tennispro9911

That was the latest ending time in Austrailian Open history. How about Federer though. He just got pounded and lost in three sets. I think he will stay #1 for this year and win the US and Wimboldon but I think this is his last year at one, although he may win another slam or two after this year. I'm interested to see how he does in the Olympics too. Those are held this year also. I'd love to see him win a gold there and this is the last year I think he will have a good chance to win the French. His style isn't suited for the French and he only has a chance by being much better than everyone else.