A tennis major wouldn’t be the same without a dash of drama. Although Novak Djokovic made headlines by becoming the only player to win 90 or more matches, there have been some scheduling conflicts as a result. Everyone wants to watch the best athletes compete in the most prestigious venues. However, everyone has different favourites. Furthermore, Djokovic is not on the list, if the most recent social media rumours are to be trusted.
In order to surpass his personal record of 24, the Serbian is aiming for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam. Despite a lacklustre start to the season, Djokovic remains elevated by his Olympic gold medal success. After overcoming Radu Albert and his compatriot Laslo Djere, who withdrew in the second set, Djokovic will now play round three against Alexei Popyrin. However, many people would much rather see Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe, two of the biggest talents in the nation, square off than a Djoker bout.
Arthur Ashe Stadium will host both games today, and many are shocked by how significantly different their times are from one another. Djokovic, on the other hand, argued against it when he won the first round, even though late-night matches would be more enjoyable for the spectators.After beating Albert, he remarked, “Well, I don’t think that ageing helps truly staying so late and playing really late.””I’m aware that my batteries are running low right now. I’m going to end now. Many, however, believe that the former World No. 1 is still getting special treatment.
Tennis fans are shocked that Novak Djokovic is preferred above home favourites at the US Open.
“All three of Djokovic’s U.S. Open matchups have been evening matches, including the Friday night encounter slated for August 30th,” an irate fan noted on a tennis site. The primary problem wasn’t Djokovic; rather, it was the obvious favouritism of scheduling the 37-year-old matches for the hottest portion of the day. But they were uprooting his matches.”In the meanwhile, the American duo of Tiafoe and Shelton will play during the day, when fewer people can watch. This year’s US Open match schedule has been incredibly disappointing. Will Djokovic compete in any matches during the day?
So far, no. His third-round match against Popyrin is also scheduled for the evening at 7 PM ET, while Tiafoe vs Shelton will take place at 1.15 PM ET. “Djokovic is playing 3 nights in a row and there are other marquee matches I’d rather see at night like Shelton vs. Tiafoe. Djokovic vs. Djere was a dud of a match that ended early in retirement. Make Djokovic play during the day. End the favoritism,” another fan wrote.
Djokovic vs. Djere started as a thriller. The first set took almost an hour, as Djokovic clinched it 6-4, but by the second set, Djere was struggling with pain in the lower abdomen. He ultimately retired after two hours, and 16 minutes of play. Even Nole was disappointed, “It’s not what we want. It’s not what the crowd wants, to see a walkover. He’s such a good player, especially in these conditions.”
One fan pointed out how the next match-up of the Serbinator could bring in some much-needed excitement. “Popyrin won Canada. Djokovic took a month off and is serving below 50%. The USO smells an upset or dramatic 5-setter that will deliver great box office.”
USA Today via Reuters
It’s a popcorn match for many whenever the Serbian takes the court. But for those without a bias, another player, preferably American, would be more watched. “Excuse me, I’m just a tennis fan. Djokovic has already been in prime time twice this U.S. Open. Three times is overkill. The prime-time fans want to see someone else play.”
Now Djokovic winning another Grand Slam is anyone’s guess. But while it’s a 50/50 chance, Tiafoe vs. Shelton is much more interesting. “They should schedule Tiafoe-Shelton at night. That might be the first electric match between Americans,” wrote one fan.
While both Tiafoe and Shelton have come close to Grand Slams before and usually advance to the latter stages of the tournament, only one can emerge victorious this time. Who are you rooting for at the US Open extravaganza? Let us know in the comments below.
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