No plans to change Australian Open scheduling despite backlash over ‘crazy’ 4am finish

‘No need to alter the schedule,’ says tournament boss Craig Tiley

NOT PLEASED: Andy Murray of Britain reacts during his second-round match against Thanasi Kokkinakis of Australia at the Australian Open. Pic: AP Photo/Ng Han Guan

The Australian Open will not amend its scheduling despite coming in for criticism after an epic encounter between Andy Murray and Thanasi Kokkinakis did not finish until 4am in Melbourne.

The decision to allow the match – which Murray eventually won 4-6, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5), 6-3, 7-5 after five hours and 45 minutes on court – to run into the early hours of the morning sparked a backlash, with concerns raised over player welfare and the benefits of playing so late.