• Loading stock data...
Sunday, June 29, 2025

Off-Court Turmoil: Weather, Late-Night Matches Cloud French Open

  • Late-night matches have drawn the ire of several top players.
  • Weather delays and unruly fan behavior have also caused problems.
Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports

The French Open quarterfinals begin Tuesday, and even though there’s plenty of top talent still competing at Roland-Garros, it’s been a bumpy road off the court for tournament organizers up to this point.

Poor weather, unruly fan behavior, and most recently complaints over late-night matches have taken the spotlight away from the tennis, even though the top four seeds in both the men’s and women’s singles draws are still alive, setting up what should be a dramatic conclusion to the second Grand Slam of the year.

As the likes of top-seeded Novak Djokovic and U.S. star Coco Gauff advanced through the third and fourth rounds, logistical problems created match delays—and no one was immune. On Saturday, Djokovic’s match against Lorenzo Musetti was moved back more than two hours, beginning after 10:30 p.m. local time and finishing after 3 a.m. “Some things could have been handled a different way,” Djokovic said

No. 7 seed Casper Ruud took to X to lament his third-round match that finished after 1 a.m. “I have to cool down on the bike for 15 minutes, do press/media, ice bath for 10 minutes, shower, eat and then get treatment/massage,” he explained. Even Gauff, who did not have to deal with a late finish, sympathized with her colleagues. “I definitely think it’s not healthy,” she said.

On Monday, another lengthy five-setter involving Djokovic led to the Alexander Zverev–Holger Rune match, originally scheduled for 8:15 p.m., getting delayed till after 9 p.m.

All Around the World

Unfortunately for players unhappy with late-night matches, the issue is not unique to only the French Open. Each summer in New York City, the US Open routinely plays deep into the evenings and early mornings, with no plans to change that anytime soon. In January, the Australian Open dealt with similar problems in Melbourne. 

Wimbledon is the lone Grand Slam that doesn’t have to deal with matches running too late thanks to its 11 p.m. curfew that often sees matches paused and resumed the following day.

More Problems in Paris

Some late-night matches at the French Open were a result of weather delays early in the tournament as rain soaked Roland-Garros, which has only two courts with roofs. Beyond that, organizers decided mid-tournament to ban fans from drinking alcohol in the stands after several players complained about spectators misbehaving.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

The Battle Over Wimbledon’s Ambitious Expansion Plan

A classic NIMBY standoff on one of the most hallowed grounds in sports.

As Wimbledon Approaches, Sinner and Alcaraz Solidify New Era

Sinner and Alcaraz have won the last six Grand Slams.
From vintage to unique collaborations, various Nike and Jordan shoes are displayed on a wall at Saved Soles inside West Ridge Mall.

Nike Stumbles Less Than Expected, Giving Wall Street Hope

The sports apparel and footwear giant beats Wall Street expectations.
Apr 5, 2024; Cleveland, OH, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark (22) and Connecticut Huskies guard Paige Bueckers (5) react in the second quarter in the semifinals of the Final Four of the womens 2024 NCAA Tournament at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

With Caitlin Clark’s Status Unclear, Fever-Wings Get-In Tix Down 40%

It should be the first professional face-off between Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark.

Featured Today

Seattle Rough & Tumble

Women’s Sports Bars Are on the Rise. Survival Isn’t Guaranteed

Some women’s sports bars are cashing in. Others are clawing for funding.
June 27, 2025

Shitposters Have Taken the Reins of Pro Sports’ Official Voices

Meet the social media pros turning sports teams into internet trolls.
Jun 17, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers center Sam Reinhart (13) hoists the Stanley Cup after winning game six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena
June 26, 2025

Stanley Cup’s International Summer Tour: Rules, Repairs, and Raucousness

No pro trophy tour compares to the NHL’s three-month global victory lap.
Mar 15, 2025; Fort Worth, TX, USA; UAB Blazers forward Yaxel Lendeborg (3) dribbles the ball upcourt against the North Texas Mean Green during the first half at Dickies Arena
June 22, 2025

NIL Is Shrinking the Pool of NBA Draft Entrants

Agents are now advising many players to stay in school.
Oct 20, 2023; Doral, Florida, USA; James Piot plays his shot from the eighth tee during the first round of the LIV Golf Miami golf tournament at Trump National Doral.
June 25, 2025

From LIV to PGA Tour: James Piot Shows Path Back From Rival..

A former LIV Golf player is competing at this week’s Detroit event.
June 25, 2025

Bold Trades Shake Up NBA Draft After Predictable Start

A flurry of trades and falling draft positions lead the post-Flagg activity.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
Soccer
June 25, 2025

Club World Cup Headed for Major Test in Knockout Round

The knockout round will test FIFA’s hypothesis for the new tournament.
Jun 22, 2025; Cromwell, Connecticut, USA; Scottie Scheffler plays his shot from the first tee during the final round of the Travelers Championship golf tournament.
June 24, 2025

PGA Tour’s $20M Signature Events Finish 2025 Season Up in TV Ratings

The Travelers Championship was the last of eight elevated events this year.
Jun 23, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Al Ahly's Mohamed Hany reacts after the match during a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium.
June 24, 2025

Heat Wave Across the U.S. Impacting Major Sports

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said it’s been almost impossible to train.
Sabrina Ionescu with the New York Liberty shots over defenders from the Toyota Antelopes during the first half at Matthew Knight Arena May 12, 2025 in Eugene.
June 24, 2025

How Preseason Games Have Become a Key Revenue Stream for WNBA Teams

The WNBA’s preseason featured four games played on college campuses.