Midnight matches could also be well-liked with followers however not with outdated campaigner Novak Djokovic, who bemoaned a late evening at first of his US Open title defence on Monday.
A rusty Djokovic beat qualifier Radu Albot 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 to succeed in the second spherical however the two-hour and seven-minute match stretched till midnight at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The pair had been unable to take to the courtroom till late as a result of Clara Burel’s comeback win over Sloane Stephens, who crumbled in three units after main 6-0 3-0.
“Effectively, I don’t suppose that getting older helps actually staying so late and taking part in very late,” 37-year-old Djokovic informed reporters.
“I can really feel, , my batteries are low now. I’m shutting down.
“However it’s been a protracted wait, to be sincere. I assumed I’m going to exit on the courtroom, like, 8:15 p.m. as a result of Stephens was 6-0 3-0 serving after which rapidly it seems to be a two-and-a-half hour match or no matter.
“You simply have to simply accept it, I suppose …. I like taking part in evening matches, however I really like to begin first.
“So hopefully I get extra probabilities to play at evening and am scheduled first so we are able to begin at a extra respectable time and end at a extra respectable time.
“I suppose for the followers there’s something particular about late-night finishes, notably post-midnight. For us, I don’t know. It’s not likely what you need however if you happen to get a W (win), then it’s all good.”
Djokovic returned to the courtroom for the primary time since successful a long-coveted Olympic gold medal within the singles at Paris.
Although simply accounting for Moldovan journeyman Albot, Djokovic’s lack of warmup matches confirmed as he served up 10 double-faults and racked up practically twice as many unforced errors as winners.
“It’s at all times difficult to begin, notably once you haven’t performed on this floor for 5, six months and coming off an Olympic gold and taking part in on clay,” he mentioned.
“I’m anticipating to be most likely challenged a bit bit extra within the opening rounds.
“The benefit of Slams is you may have a day between matches the place you may prepare, the place you may actually work on issues and ideal your sport. That’s what I would like.”