Tennis: ATP does not support US Open’s decision

LONDON: The US Open’s decision to extend the 2013 tournament to a third Monday has drawn criticism from the men’s governing body, the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), which has called on Flushing Meadows organisers to fall into line with the three other grand slam tournaments. Next year’s men’s singles final will be played on Monday allowing the players to have a day’s rest after the semi-finals which have traditionally been played on ‘Super Saturday’ along with the women’s singles final. The 2013 women’s singles final will take place on Sunday with the semi-finals also on Friday.  “By modifying the schedule, the US Open has recognised the incredible physical demands of men’s tennis,” said a statement from the ATP.  “However, the ATP and its players have made it clear to the US Open that we do not support a Monday final.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 18^th, 2012.