Melbourne: The men’s singles final at next year’s Australian Open will be played at night — a first for men’s Grand Slam tennis — organisers said on Sunday.

The decision to play the showpiece match in a “twilight session” mirrors the US Open’s policy of playing the women’s singles final in the evening.

“Next year, 2005, is the centenary year of the Australian Open,” tournament chief Paul McNamee said. “To think that in the centenary year, historic first for a Grand Slam to have the men’s singles final in prime time, it is a historic moment.” (Reuters)