Three-time finalist Daniil Medvedev says the AO is 'asking for trouble' if schedule isn't changed

(Getty/Daniel Pockett)

Former world No.1 Daniil Medvedev has sent a warning to Australian Open organisers by calling for primetime matches to begin one hour earlier.

At the last Australian Open, Medvedev was knocked out in the opening round by Learner Tien after finishing at 2:54am.

In 2024, he survived from two sets down in the second round, as the classic match concluded at 3:40am.

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To align with Channel 9's TV news bulletin and primetime TV audiences, the first night session match at the Australian Open commences at 7pm on the main courts, followed by a second match.

"I'm not against playing at night, don't get me wrong, but starting the first match at 7pm is just asking for trouble," Medvedev said on Friday.

"When you have one match of five sets, and both of them went for five for me, it is a bit too late to start at 7pm. They should be starting at 6pm."

Medvedev, who turns 30 next month, endured a difficult 2025 season, failing to surpass the second round of any Grand Slam.

But with a new coach by his side in Sweden's Thomas Johansson, Medvedev still believes that he has something extra left in the tank.

"I like playing in the Australian Open, I feel like I can play good tennis there," he said.

"I've played some great matches. I know when I play my best tennis, I am able to beat anyone.

"I like generally to play on hard courts. The courts are pretty fast, so it suits me well."

Medvedev hired 2002 Australian Open winner, Johansson, in September after parting ways with long-time coach Gilles Cervara.

The three-time Australian Open runner-up has slipped to world No.13, but doesn't have many points to defend in 2026 as he bids to climb back into the top 10.

The Kooyong Classic returns to the spiritual home of Australian tennis from January 13-15, 2026.

Each year, the Kooyong Classic features the world’s best players in their final preparation for the Australian Open. 

The 2026 event will feature Lorenzo Musetti, Alexander Bublik, Nick Kyrgios, Karen Khachanov, Flavio Cobolli, Frances Tiafoe, Learner Tien, Matteo Berrettini, Hubert Hurkacz, Marin Čilić and Zhang Zhizhen, alongside Donna Vekić and a special guest appearance Daniela Hantuchová. More to be announced in the coming weeks.

Tickets on sale now through Ticketek/www.kooyongclassic.com.au

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