Australian Open extended to 15 days, late night finishes could be ...

The Australian Open will start on a Sunday in 2024, becoming a 15-day event in a bid to reduce the pressure on players and fans from late-night finishes.

Key points:The Australian Open will take place over 15 days instead of 14 in 2024The change should see very late night finishes eliminatedFormer player Louise Pleming said the move was "fantastic" for players 

Calls have been growing to limit the finish times in a crowded schedule at the season-opening grand slam event in Melbourne.

Five-time finalist Andy Murray this year played a near six-hour, five-set marathon against Thanasi Kokkinakis that did not reach its conclusion until past 4am, the former world number one describing the finish time as "ridiculously late".

The 2024 tournament has been scheduled to run from January 14-28.

The Sunday start will increase the number of sessions on Melbourne Park's three showpiece courts — Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena and John Cain Arena — from 47 to 52.

Day sessions on Rod Laver and Margaret Court will feature a minimum of two matches, rather than three as previously, to limit the potential for late finishes.

Night sessions will continue to feature a minimum of two matches.

Andy Murray survived an epic against Thanasi Kokkinakis, but went out in the next round.(Getty Images: Will Murray)

Tournament director Craig Tiley said the changes had come about after listening to feedback from players and fans to limit late finishes.

"The additional day will achieve this, benefiting scheduling for fans and players alike," he said in a statement on Tuesday.

"The first round will now be played over three days instead of two."

Former Australian tennis player Louise Pleming told ABC Melbourne that the change was a good thing.

"I think it's fantastic for all the players," Pleming said.

"Of course, we all remember that match with Andy Murray and Thanasi [Kokkinakis], it's so hard for those guys.

"They finished at 4am in the morning and then they have to do press … they've not finished … they still have to do an hour of work.

"It's definitely a disadvantage for those players."

Pleming said while the change will make no difference to the length of matches the players will play, it will reduce the number on each court, leading to earlier finish times.

"It is a bit of a tradition," Pleming said of the late night finishes at the Australian Open, but the players would benefit from the change.

"We've seen so many great matches over the years at the Australian Open.

"But … we're always forward thinking of ways to improve the event and I think Craig Tiley is one of those guys who certainly is a shape-shifter with tennis and is always looking to help the players."

AAP/ABC