ITF Statement: Start times at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Tennis Event

​Following extensive consultation and in the spirit of always keeping the best interests of player health and welfare at the forefront of our decisions, the ITF has announced a change of schedule due to the increasing heat and humidity currently being experienced in Tokyo, Japan. ​

Matches at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Tennis Event will begin at 3pm from Thursday, 29 July 2021.

The decision to start matches at 3pm JST from Thursday is possible due to the outcomes of today’s matches across the five competitions being staged and the size of player field, and is designed to further safeguard player health. It has been made following consultation with the IOC, Tokyo 2020, Olympic Broadcast Services as well as the Olympic Tennis Event players, referee, medical experts and other key stakeholders.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Tennis Event Extreme Weather Policy, which has been in place throughout the tournament provides for modifications of play once the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) reaches a threshold of 30.1°C including ten-minute breaks for both men and women if requested.

Click here for further information regarding the Extreme Weather Policy and click here to read the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Tennis Event Extreme Weather Policy in full.