Tennis fans have reacted to Alexander Zverev's criticism of the scheduling of late-night matches at the ATP China Open in Beijing.

The World No. 10's Round of 16 clash with Alejandro Davidovich Fokina on Diamond court did not start until midnight after a grueling three-set battle between Nicolas Jarry and Matteo Arnaldi earlier in the day caused later matches to be delayed.

After their own match went to three sets, Zverev eventually emerged victorious at 2:40 am, having come back from a set down to win 6-7 (4), 6-2, 6-1. During his on-court interview, the 26-year-old was critical of the late-night scheduling and suggested moving to another court.

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"I’m happy with the win. Obviously, it’s difficult to play til 3 am. I’m not sure it was the right call to keep us on this court. I think we should’ve changed courts. We should’ve gone on. There’s so many great courts on the stadium. So many opportunities where we could’ve played. I’m not sure we should’ve waited till past midnight to start the match, to be honest," he said.

Fans react to Zverev's criticism

Following these comments, tennis fans took to social media to voice their opinions on the issue. Many agreed with Zverev, as this is far from the first time that a player has complained about the ATP or WTA's scheduling being the reason why matches finish in the early hours of the morning.

"ATP/WTA need to work on preventing these scheduling issues. This has been happening too often this season," wrote one fan on X, formerly known as Twitter.

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"Tennis must have the most insane scheduling of any sport. No other sports people would put up with playing at 3am and it isn't great for crowds either," added another.

However, some argued that Zverev and Fokina could not have changed courts due to the way that the tickets were sold.

"The reason this match was not moved & could not have been moved to the other court is because it was sold as a part of two-match night session on Diamond court.

You can’t charge spectators full price and only give them one best-of-three-sets match. Unless you are Roland Garros," one fan pointed out.

Zverev will face Jarry in the quarter-finals of the ATP 500 tournament in Beijing.

gwongfit

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Replying to @TheTennisLetter

ATP/WTA need to work on preventing these scheduling issues. This has been happening too often this season.

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