**Venus Williams Questions Late Start Time as US Open Match Enters Early Hours**
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In a surprising turn of events, Venus Williams began her first-round match at the US Open on Sunday night, or rather, early Monday morning, at approximately 12:13 a.m. This unusually late scheduling drew scrutiny not only from the veteran tennis star but also from observers and fans alike.
The seven-time Grand Slam champion faced Sofia Kenin in a match that was overshadowed by its late start, a situation prompted by a preceding five-set clash between Novak Djokovic and Mariano Navone that extended for an exhausting four hours and 36 minutes. As a result, Williams had little choice but to compete in an unusual time slot, which she later acknowledged was less than ideal.
Speaking candidly after her match, which she lost in straight sets, 6-2, 7-6, Williams expressed her concerns regarding the scheduling. “I would’ve preferred something else, definitely. I think it wasn’t great for either of us,” the 46-year-old remarked. Despite her spirited efforts, including three set points during the second set, she could not secure the win. Kenin, 27, seized the final moments of the match, stringing together six points in a row to clinch her victory.
The peculiar start time has led to widespread discussions around the scheduling practices at major events such as the US Open. Williams emphasised, “I just don’t know any other sport where you have to start that late. I definitely think there’s room for improvement there.” Her insights resonate with many who believe that the scheduling could better accommodate the athletes and the fans alike.
The situation did not go unnoticed on social media either. Renowned tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg described the match as having set a new record for the latest start time in US Open history, surpassing the previous record of 12:08 a.m. Rothenberg pointed out the absurdity of the situation when he tweeted, “This Venus-Kenin match is setting a new record for latest EVER start to a U.S. Open match.”
Joining in on the criticism, fellow journalist Simon Cambers echoed these sentiments, stating, “There is no way a grand slam tennis match should start so late. This is ridiculous.” Such commentary highlights a growing unease about the organisation of match schedules, particularly for marquee events that feature top athletes.
As Williams contemplates her experience on the court, she is set to shift her focus to the doubles competition, where she will team up with her sister, Serena Williams. The siblings have received a wildcard for the doubles event and are scheduled to play either on Thursday, September 3, or Friday, September 4, which is sure to attract considerable attention from fans eager to see the iconic duo in action once again.
Despite her loss in singles, the prospect of a doubles appearance adds a layer of excitement for both the Williams sisters and their supporters. The partnership on the court has long been a crowd favourite, drawing fans who have celebrated their storied careers and on-court chemistry.
While the early hours of competition may have raised alarms, it has also highlighted an essential conversation regarding the management of tennis tournaments and the need to adapt to the needs of players. Athletes, like Williams, deserve consideration for their wellbeing, a crucial factor in ensuring they can perform at their best, especially in high-stakes environments like the US Open.
As the tennis community reflects on this incident, it is hoped that future scheduling will provide a more balanced approach that prioritises both the athletes’ physical wellbeing and the fans’ experience. Only time will tell if changes will be made, ensuring that the spirit of the game is upheld from the onset of the tournament until the final match.