Carlos Alcaraz has praised the Australian Open's new three-day first-round format, saying it has benefits for players and spectators.
Alcaraz cruised to a straight sets win over veteran player Richard Gasquet at the Australian Open on Tuesday. The clash brought an end to the men's first-round matches, which were played over three days this season for the first time rather than the traditional two days, as the Grand Slam also started on Sunday and expanded to 15 days.
Ultimately, the Australian Open organizers explained that the expanded schedule was intended to provide better recovery time for players and to lessen late-night finishes.
After his first-round victory, Alcaraz explained that he saw many positives of the new format, even if the players that started in the days before him will receive more rest.
"Well, I think so. I think it's better for the players, as well, and better for everyone. For the crowd to have more days to have matches, for the tournament as well. I think for the players who plays the first days has more days to rest."
As part of the new setup, several changes were made to the wider Australian Open schedule in 2024. For instance, the maximum number of matches on Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court Arena was reduced to two matches per session rather than three previously, while the number of sessions in Melbourne Park's three arenas expanded from 47 to 52.
"I think it's good that the players that play in the first day have a little bit advantage, have two days of rest. Apart from that, I think it's a really good format."
One player who might benefit from the extra rest after playing on Sunday includes reigning champion Novak Djokovic, who overcame a strong test from teenager Dino Prizmic. Jannik Sinner, Frances Tiafoe, Taylor Fritz, and Andrey Rublev also navigated first-round clashes on Sunday.
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