The US Open, held in New York City, has faced renewed scrutiny regarding its scheduling practices as players reach the semi-final stages of the tournament. Athletes, including Ben Shelton and Alexander Zverev, have been required to compete in matches that extend well into the early morning, sometimes concluding as late as 6:45 a.m. This pattern of late-night play disrupts the recovery routines and sleep cycles essential for high-level athletic performance.

While the tournament is famous for its vibrant atmosphere and the 'city that never sleeps' culture, the physical reality for the competitors is increasingly difficult. The BBC reports that the late finishes are not merely an inconvenience but a significant factor that players must fight against to maintain their competitive edge. The scheduling decisions reflect a tension between the tournament's entertainment value—which relies on prime-time and late-night broadcast slots—and the physiological needs of the participants. As the tournament progresses toward the finals, the cumulative effect of these late nights remains a primary concern for the players involved.