Representatives of the WTA and ATP decided to establish a set of rules for tennis matches, including the cancellation of late start times for certain matches.

Tennis matches do not start after 23:00

The number of late matches (defined as matches finishing after midnight) has increased significantly in recent years, to the detriment of players and fans. This is due to an increase in the average duration of matches in tournaments, News.ro reports.

The new rules related to the schedule of matches will be applied in WTA and ATP tournaments and will come into force from January 2024.

No more than five matches per day on one court (start at 11.00), with three matches in the day session and two in the evening session.

No match will start after 11:00 p.m. unless approved by a WTA/ATP supervisor in consultation with WTA/ATP management.

Matches that cannot start at the site before 22:30 will be moved to an alternative site – no later than 23:00.

Night classes should start no later than 7:30 p.m., with a recommendation to start at 6:30 p.m.

In exceptional circumstances, a tournament may request exemptions based on local cultural traditions, weather conditions or other extenuating circumstances to be considered by the WTA/ATP.

The new programming rules are being implemented for a one-year trial period in 2024, which will be reviewed at a later date.