Andy Murray has welcomed a potential end to his late-night finishes amid rule changes by tennis bosses.
A new playing schedule has been put in place by both the ATP and WTA tours to avoid a repeat of the 4am finish Murray endured at last year’s Australian Open.
While the grand slams are not currently aligned with the new tour timings of matches starting no later than 11pm, Australian Open bosses have extended the tournament to 15 days in a bid to reduce the chances of the matches running into the early hours.
Andy Murray’s second-round match last year against Thanasi Kokkinakis ended at 4.05am and led to heavy criticism by both players, their peers, pundits, journalists and fans.
And the former world No1 said: “I don’t think the Sunday start will change the late finishes. I think on centre court they’re having two matches in the day, two matches in the evening.
“I think that will reduce the possibility for late finishes on Rod Laver just because it’s unlikely you’re going to have issues with the day session running into the night, then having that gap where they have to clear out the stadium and get the night session fans in.
“My understanding is that on the other show courts that’s not changing, so there still is the possibility for that to happen.”
Of the wider new schedule, he added: “It’s really good. I’ve spoken about it, I’ve heard lots of players and the media, obviously, discussing it for a long time. It just makes sense. It’s a very obvious thing that needs to change.
“I haven’t heard anyone really disagree with that. So, it’s positive that there’s going to be some changes made. It will be good for, I think, everyone. It will definitely help with recovery for following day’s matches and things like that.
“I certainly think, for fans and the tournament, it just probably looks a wee bit more professional if you’re not finishing at three or four in the morning.”
Murray begins his Australian Open quest on Monday against No30 seed Tomas Martin Etcheverry for what is his 16th appearance in the main draw.
After a season, which was beset by indifferent form in the latter stages, Murray sounded a confident note in the early part of 2024.
He added: “I definitely feel like I’m enjoying it better. I think part of that is the mental side of it. Tennis is a difficult game in that respect. When you’re struggling, you’re obviously out there on your own, it can be difficult at times.
“Also the way you’re playing. When you know you’re capable of doing more than what you are, if you’re not happy with the way you’re hitting forehands and backhands and serving and those sorts of things, there’s the technical aspect as well.
“Fixing some of those problems has helped me feel better on the court. Definitely some focus on the mental side, as well. Reframing the way you look at things definitely, definitely helps.”
