Tennis fans have been left baffled by Australian Open organizers after it was revealed Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Nick Kyrgios will all be playing their opening matches at the same time as the tournament kicks off.
The Australian Open officially starts this week, with Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner defending their titles, but plenty has been made of Kyrgios' return and Djokovic drawing attention at the tournament he has won a record ten times.
Nevertheless, tennis enthusiasts will find themselves switching back and forth between matches if they hope to catch Djokovic on Rod Laver Arena, Alcaraz on Margaret Court Arena, or Kyrgios on John Cain Arena, with officials scheduling numerous global superstars for the same evening session.
Djokovic will begin his quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title against wildcard Nisesh Basavareddy around 7 PM on Monday. Meanwhile, World No. 3 Alcaraz also starts his campaign at 7 PM, aiming to complete his career Grand Slam with a victory against Alexander Shevchenko. Kyrgios, overcoming abdominal strain after years plagued by wrist and knee injuries, is set to face Jacob Fearnley at the same time.
This crowded schedule has drawn ire from fans. Many argue it’s unfortunate to have two of tennis's biggest names, Djokovic and Alcaraz, scheduled for the same time slot, with viewers potentially missing out on significant matches. While defending champion Sinner gets the prime afternoon slot, many still feel the scheduling of such notable stars detracts from the viewing experience.
The difficulty of organizing the Australian Open is famously challenging. Broadcasters have their input on schedules, and the chaos of the night sessions doesn't seem to satisfy dedicated fanatics who wish to enjoy uninterrupted matches featuring the top players.
The criticism follows the backlash from 2024 when the tournament attempted to extend the first round of play across three days to avoid late-night finishes—an effort marred by bizarre scheduling and unusual match times.
American tennis legend John McEnroe has weighed in on the issue, referring to the extended first round as "a money grab" aimed at selling additional tickets and advertising slots. He stated, "Australian Open organizers with a very bizarre first-round schedule made the first round three days now to make more money… But then put together a very lackluster opening day today only to have Sinner, Alcaraz, and Djokovic on the same day with Carlos and Novak playing at the same time?"
It appears Australian audiences are gravely disappointed they cannot catch all three players simultaneously. Commentator Matt Dowell expressed this sentiment, wondering why major stars have been scheduled at once. Another critic, Kamil Karczmarek, noted, "Three days, one-round matches, and Djokovic, Alcaraz, and Kyrgios all at the same time?"
Despite these scheduling issues, there’s excitement surrounding Kyrgios' return to Grand Slam tennis, as he embarks on his first match since the US Open 2022. Having recently partnered with Djokovic at the Brisbane International, Kyrgios seems eager to prove himself again.
"We watch sport because we want personalities. ... It’s like drama, theatre. For me, being personally back adds question marks about, 'What is going to happen today?" he said, showcasing his intent to engage fans with his unique presence on the court.
This match against Fearnley could represent his comeback after struggling with injuries, where his participation was uncertain after he withdrew from an exhibition with Djokovic due to abdominal pain. Nevertheless, Kyrgios is prepared to showcase his form and seek to impress at his home tournament.
For the 2025 Australian Open, broadcasting schedules have also evolved. From January 11, the tournament features comprehensive coverage on ESPN+ and linear networks, ensuring fans can catch all the managerial aspects of the competition.
Tennis fans can expect live streaming of all matches across 15 courts, culminating with the women's and men's championships on January 25 and 26. The global coverage will cater to diverse audiences across various platforms, ensuring no one misses out on the action.
While opening day controversies continue, pivotal moments are anticipated between established stars like Djokovic and rising talents like Alcaraz, as the tournament shapes up to be nothing short of dramatic. With players making their mark on the courts amid fierce competition, the Australian Open promises to capture the hearts of tennis enthusiasts worldwide.
While aficionados hope for seamless matches, they remain disappointed with the current scheduling arrangements. The outcry surrounding these scheduling choices reveals the tournament organizers need to reassess how they share prominent sporting moments with their dedicated fan base moving forward.