Split screen at the ready: Australian Open scheduling questioned as Alcaraz, Djokovic and Kyrgios all on at the same time

The 2025 Australian Open continues on what has been dubbed Manic Monday and it is manic truly for a reason for the Night Session alone in Melbourne. Three of the top names in the men's tournament are playing at exactly the same time.

The scheduling has been called into question again as while the extra day helps to spread the play out, it also means that Novak Djokovic, Nick Kyrgios and Carlos Alcaraz who are all big names wanted on prime time have to be spread out among different courts and provides a nightmare both for the tournament and for broadcasters.

Djokovic perhaps was seen as a candidate to not play on Rod Laver Arena given Kyrgios's return for the first time in two years and Alex de Minaur for instance will flank the schedule tomorrow alongside Olivia Gadecki as a home hope duo. But instead they have opted for their most successful champion.

Read also

Tournament Centre Australian Open 2025: Schedule, results, Prize Money and TV Guide

While Alcaraz faces Alexander Shevchenko over on Margaret Court Arena. Perhaps the easiest of the trio to place. Half of this nightmare comes in fact from him now being third seed.

Alexander Zverev usurping him has seen an unwanted problem as Zverev now plays on alternate days which are less stacked and this means that Alcaraz and Djokovic now sit in the Sinner section. The Italian prefers to play during the morning so it makes life a bit easier for organisers.

While Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff, the two top women in action today also don't want to play the Night Session so it is Naomi Osaka's job to face Caroline Garcia on Rod Laver Arena post Novak Djokovic.

But it is also another showcase of tennis tripping itself in the foot as such with those wanting to watch all three not able to. Often an issue also has been finals with week on week all of the finals scheduled at the same time. Manic Monday perhaps but it is more of a nightmare as fans both on the grounds and at home have to decide who to watch.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Unlock your ultimate tennis experience—subscribe today for exclusive access to top stories.

Subscribe