Roger, again confirm how a big gentleman he is.

Men and women are not equal

i think it's fair, not out of disrespect toward the women, but because they get equal prize money, so why not share equal scheduling.

Mr.Federer is quite ready to join onto ATP board, he likes discussing a lot, but please without tears...

I agree. If they get the same rewards then they should have the same treatment. Especially since men have to play best of 5 sets, longer matches. It is unfair and unhealthy for the players. It will kill the quality of the game eventually.

It's an awesome idea, but it'll never happen. Imagine the outcry from WTA players if their matches went past 2 AM.

More studies need to be done in the subject...but so far it has been scientifically recorded that women need more sleep and better sleep for their physical bodies...women are different to men regardless what society thinks and what prizes you win at a tennis match.

I don't think that tournaments schedule men at a later time out of respect or care for the women. They do it because night matches are supposed to be THE match of the night. At night, they expect the "night crowd" to be in attendance. It's supposed to be, not only a more "sophisticated" crowd with "important people" but also a LARGER crowd who are willing to spend big bucks to spend a late evening out watching the top tennis players in action after a long day at the spa/country club/job/etc.

The bottom line is, and always is, money. I hardly think that 7:30 PM is early for THE tennis match of the day. But really, how many of those people from the "night crowd" do you think are willing to watch the Grand Finale to the day of tennis at that time? Tournament organizers are scheduling this way for a reason. If they were losing money and having low attendance and ticket sales, you can bet that they change the schedule around! But the style of scheduling must be ideal for the live crowd because I have yet to hear any complaints from them... In fact, being there and witnessing a long five setter that goes past 2 AM seems to be a cause for bragging for the "crowd", not a cause of agitation and displeasure at having to stay up so late. The "I've been there" factor for the "IT" crowd comes in, it's almost like an exclusive night party that goes into the wee hours of the day that the "popular" people brag about around the cooler in your school or office.

I understand and sympathize with the players. The schedule is way too grueling. It's brutal, unhealthy, and unrealistic. However, I think a better solution would be to spread Grand Slam schedules over a period of two whole weeks. That will also solve the "unfair advantage of having an extra day's rest" problem. But I can hardly call that a break through. There is a major problem in the tennis world, and it needs to be addressed and revamped.

I believe the players have a right to voice their opinions. In fact, I believe that players, especially Roger and Rafa, have an OBLIGATION to speak out. When there is something wrong with the system, whether it be ethically wrong (i.e. new anti-doping policy), or physically harmful (i.e. tournament scheduling), the players must speak out strongly.

Especially Roger and Rafa since, as Gordana pointed out, they are on the ATP board. Opinions of players like Andies Roddick/Murray are important as well because of who they are in the tennis world.

It's also important that they, particularly Roger Federer, remember that their position on the ATP board means that from now on when they speak, they are not only representing themselves, but they are also lending a voice to the other players that don't have one, or whose opinions are viewed as being less significant. This fact is one of the reasons why I was disappointed with Roger Federer's approach to the anti-doping rules. It's already known that the majority of players are against it, and he needs to voice the opinion of the majority as well when he's asked about it, instead of only giving his own personal opinion on the matter. As of now, he and Rafa, are not only speaking for themselves but they are also representing the Players of the ATP.