Empty seats, tired stars: The US Open's post-2 am finishes spark a pushback

Alexander Zverev wasn't in the mood for much conversation.

With empty seats everywhere after he finished his US Open first-round match in the early morning hours, he took two questions from reporters on the court and quickly wrapped it up.

"I think everybody's tired," he said.

"Everybody wants to go to sleep." The city that never sleeps is going a little overboard this year.

Players have long loved the electricity of night matches at the US Open, where tennis under the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium is a hallmark of the American Grand Slam tournament, with fans staying late and bringing plenty of energy.

But with the tournament this year already setting a record with three post-2 a.m. finishes over the first six days, plus two more going past 1 am, concerns are bubbling up about how much after midnight is too much on such a big stage.

"I know they're dealing with a lot of different aspects as far as broadcast and TV and making sure certain matches get done and are starting at a ce