Tennis players Ben Shelton and Carlos Alcaraz made history at the U.S. Open on Tuesday, marking the latest-finishing tennis match in the NYC Grand Slam’s history, running through 3:33 a.m.
While far from being the longest-running game in tennis history (that record was set at 11 hours and 5 minutes at the 2010 Wimbledon Championships), the match ran hours late. With no curfew in place, it was allowed to begin close to midnight.
Many stayed up all night to watch the late game, but many more simply gave up, leaving the stadium or turning off their screen and hoping to see the score the next day.
Despite the thrilling five-setter night game, many spectators who had to go to work the next day weren’t as thrilled about the late night.
“Alcaraz-Shelton not starting until after 11pm. How is [this] good for anyone, except unemployed influencers,” a user said on X.
“[Maybe] i will just go to bed now and hope that ben and carlos are in a fifth set tiebreak when i wake up for work in the morning,” another added.
“Sometimes you have to make time”
Many took the long night in stride, including the U.S. Open’s own account, which shared its own version of a doctor’s note to excuse the absence for tennis fans.
“We understand how important showing up is, but sometimes you have to make time for things you’re passionate about,” the official X account posted. “Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton put on an absolute stellar performance during their US Open quarterfinal, and ______ was a fully committed fan who was completely locked in from start to finish.”
It added: “We appreciate your understanding and hope you can respect the commitment to the sport.”
A number of commenters leaned into the bit, with one user saying: “Calling out of work tomorrow on account of ‘ben shelton’s return game was actually good.’”
Another added: “Sorry, boss, for arriving late—it’s just that Alcaraz vs. Shelton started at midnight.”
But for those who were too tired to lean into the joke, the 3 a.m. game opened the floodgates to a wave of criticism about the U.S. Open’s apparent lack of organizational skills.
“I don’t think this is as funny as you think it is. You need to do better and be organized. Follow Wimbledon, for example, who have a set curfew and allow games to be pushed to the next day,” one user said in reply to the U.S. Open post.
Another added: “Dear US Open, you decided to appeal more to the influencers instead of your core tennis fans. You suck. Sincerely, Adult with a job who’s less of a tennis fan today.”
But for die-hard fans, the historic game was worth watching, regardless of the time.
“So much complaining today instead of appreciating what a generational, impossible-to-predict, long day of tennis we got to enjoy yesterday (and into this morning!),” one user said on X.
Another added: “All this complaining about late night tennis at the Open. After midnight this & after midnight that. This isn’t Wimbledon, bitch. NY doesn’t run on tea time. Get over it.”
