After securing a straightforward victory to advance to the second round of the US Open, Novak Djokovic voiced his displeasure with the tournament’s scheduling, which saw him playing into the wee hours of the night.
The late-night match not only tested the player’s endurance but also sparked a broader discussion about the scheduling practices at major tennis tournaments.
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A night longer than expected
Djokovic, who faced Radu Albot in a match that concluded around midnight, expressed frustration with being scheduled as the second match of the night session. The match was delayed further due to an unexpected comeback in the preceding game, which pushed back Djokovic’s start time significantly.
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The toll of late matches
The Serbian star highlighted the physical toll that late games take on players, especially those like him who are advancing in their careers. At 37, Djokovic noted that his “batteries” are not what they used to be, implying that recovery and rest are becoming increasingly crucial for sustaining his performance levels.
Roland-Garros Déjà Vu
This isn’t the first time Djokovic has had to deal with inconvenient match timings. He recalled a similar situation at Roland-Garros, where a late match ended at 3:08 AM, pushing the limits of endurance for both the players and fans. Such experiences have led Djokovic to question the rationale behind late-night scheduling.
Novak Djokovic: “I do actually believe in destiny. I do believe that, you know, the higher forces at play, you know, in certain stages of your life, of your career. (Olympics) was like a movie script, honestly. Playing Alcaraz in the finals and a few weeks before that we played… pic.twitter.com/LFV46oDy9Q
— Novak India Fans (@NovakIndiaFans) August 27, 2024
A plea for earlier starts
Djokovic expressed a preference for earlier matches, suggesting that scheduling him to play first in the night sessions would be more manageable. This change, he argues, would benefit not just him but all players, helping them maintain a more regular schedule and potentially improving the quality of the matches.
The spectacle vs. player welfare
While late-night matches can be thrilling for spectators, they pose significant challenges for athletes. Djokovic hinted at a disconnect between what is desired by fans and what is practical for players, emphasizing that the excitement of a post-midnight game might not outweigh the physical demands placed on the athletes.
Looking ahead
As Djokovic prepares for his next match against fellow Serb Laslo Djere, he remains philosophical about the scheduling issues, resigned to the idea that as long as he continues to win, the timing is just another part of the professional challenge. However, his comments have sparked a conversation about how major tournaments balance player welfare with fan engagement and broadcast requirements.
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This article explores the ongoing debate about late-night match scheduling at major tennis tournaments, using Novak Djokovic’s recent experiences at the US Open as a case study. It highlights the challenges athletes face when playing at unconventional hours and discusses the potential need for tournaments to reconsider their scheduling practices to better support player performance and well-being.