Australian Open organisers face Manic Monday scheduling nightmare with Djokovic, Swiatek, Kyrgios, Sinner, Alcaraz and Gauff all on one day
ATP
The Australian Open organisers face a bit of a nightmare going into the first week with certain fans getting the luxury of most of the big names on one day but where to fit them is the big question.
On the opening day, Qinwen Zheng and Aryna Sabalenka as the two finalists from last year start their campaigns. As do Casper Ruud and Alexander Zverev. But with the way the draw is configured and Alcaraz now being third seed, he lurks alongside Sinner and also Novak Djokovic.
This means Sunday is a very tame affair in comparison at the Australian Open with Mirra Andreeva, Kei Nishikori, Paula Badosa among the other highlights. But Monday will feature both men's finalists in Jannik Sinner and Daniil Medvedev.
As well as Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz. In the women's, it is also a nightmare with Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula among others all set to start their campaign as well as former multiple champion Naomi Osaka.
But also with Grand Slams tending to favour home heroes, it could be a situation where a returning Nick Kyrgios gets the spotlight and so many of the big names get shunted off potential Rod Laver Arena spots.
Many fans on social media were puzzled at why it is done like this with the players also involved on Monday set to return on Wednesday already to play second round.
Could Djokovic play away from Rod Laver Arena?
But also it could lead even to Novak Djokovic for instance surprisingly playing away from Rod Laver Arena with a split needed of ATP and WTA and too many players technically fitting that box office billing.
How it is done no doubt will cause controversy and debate. Coco Gauff for instance is more likely to go in the morning with both the American and also Iga Swiatek not fans of the night session. Jannik Sinner also may get an earlier slot than billed with it being remarked that he prefers to play in the morning.
Which then leaves the Djokovic, Kyrgios and Alcaraz conundrum of where they all get fitted into place. A fascinating one certainly.
Playing on (manic) Monday at the #AusOpen:
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) January 10, 2025
Sinner
Alcaraz
Djokovic
Kyrgios
Tsitsipas
Gauff
Pegula
Swiatek
Osaka
Bencic vs. Penko
Wow pic.twitter.com/ReuvjArCfv
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