The Australian Open 2025 is set to kick off on a Sunday once again this season, continuing last year’s scheduling trend. However, the opening days of the tournament may lack balance in star attractions, leading to mixed reactions from tennis fans attending matches at Melbourne’s iconic venues—Rod Laver Arena, John Cain Arena, and Margaret Court Arena. While Day 1 will feature matches involving top players like World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, No. 2 Alexander Zverev, and Olympic Gold medalist Qinwen Zheng, the scheduling has packed nearly all the other marquee names into a single day of play on Monday (Day 2).
Well if Zverev plays Sunday, Djokovic, Alcaraz and Kyrgios have to play Monday as well. So nobody plays Tuesday? Doesn’t make sense. https://t.co/7QsakpyHBE
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) January 10, 2025
This uneven distribution means Day 3 (Tuesday) could end up lacking in major star power, a potential disappointment for fans. Notable players such as Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Nick Kyrgios, Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek, Naomi Osaka, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Victoria Azarenka, and Jessica Pegula are all expected to compete on Day 2. As a result, Day 3 might see a decline in excitement and fan engagement, with fewer high-profile matches to draw attention.
Tennis insider José Morgado highlighted this issue, pointing out the unusual nature of this scheduling. He noted that if Zverev plays on Sunday and Djokovic, Alcaraz, and Kyrgios are slotted for Monday, then Tuesday might see no major stars in action, creating an anticlimactic atmosphere. Morgado later speculated on the chaotic nature of Day 2, listing a packed lineup of elite players that would make it challenging for fans to catch all their favorites in action.
Meanwhile, players are gearing up for the tournament in their own ways. Carlos Alcaraz, for instance, has made headlines not just for his preparation but also for a fresh new haircut. Alcaraz explained that Melbourne’s intense summer heat, which can reach over 40 degrees Celsius, inspired his decision. Speaking after an exhibition match against Alex de Minaur, he shared that the extreme temperatures prompted him to opt for a more practical and stylish look. While Alcaraz lost the match 7-5, 4-6, 10-5, he remains focused on his goal of winning his first Australian Open title, which would complete his career Grand Slam.
This scheduling dilemma has sparked debate among tennis enthusiasts. Packing all the big names into a single day may generate excitement and record viewership on Monday, but it risks leaving subsequent days underwhelming. With fans divided on whether this approach adds suspense or reflects poor planning, the Australian Open 2025 is already shaping up to be a polarizing event before the first ball is struck. Whether this strategy pays off or backfires remains to be seen.