Daily Dose of Social Media: Andy Murray slams Tour scheduling as 'total mess', Muchova emulates Federer with the SABR

Today in our Daily Dose of Social Media, we review the most significant activities and Entertainment from ATP and WTA players. Andy Murray left a strong criticism on X about the US Open match schedule, calling the programming that has forced matches to finish in the early hours of the morning 'amateur.'

While the last Grand Slam of the year is being played, one of the highlights has been Karolina Muchova, who delivered an incredible point that reminded fans of Roger Federer's best moments with the ‘SABR’.

Andy Murray posted a strong criticism on X about the Tour scheduling, calling it a 'total mess' and 'amateur.' Zheng Qinwen's fourth-round victory over Donna Vekic finished at 2:15 am, becoming the latest-ending women's match in US Open history.

Similarly, the match between Alexander Zverev and Tomas Martin Etcheverry finished at 2:35 am, just 15 minutes earlier than the latest finish in Flushing Meadows history, when Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner played an epic quarterfinal match in 2022 that ended at 2:50 am.

Joining the players' criticisms now is 3-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray, who has personally experienced the late-night finishes in Grand Slam events, such as his second-round match against Thanasi Kokkinakis at the Australian Open that lasted 5 hours and 45 minutes and ended at 4:05 am.

"The tennis scheduling situation is a total mess. It looks so amateurish having matches going on at 2, 3, 4 am 👎 Sort it out," wrote Murray, tagging the accounts of the four Grand Slams, as well as the ATP, WTA, and ITF, the organizations responsible for the men's and women's tours.

Karolina Muchova has had an outstanding performance at the US Open, reaching the quarterfinals with significant wins against rivals like Naomi Osaka, Anastasia Potapova, and the world No. 5 Jasmine Paolini.

In the match against the Italian, the Czech player demonstrated that she is one of the most talented players on the circuit with a convincing 6-3, 6-3 victory. Just two days ago, a debate arose when Chris Evert remarked that Muchova "plays like a man": "I don't think I play like a man," the former French Open finalist commented later in a press conference.

Nonetheless, Muchova has admitted that she takes inspiration from players like Nick Kyrgios, Novak Djokovic, and Roger Federer. In the match against Paolini, she showcased one of the great weapons of the Swiss Maestro, who popularized the SABR (Sneak Attack By Roger) towards the end of his career. Muchova used the same tactic, revolutionizing tennis by approaching the service box to quickly return her opponent's serve and finish the point at the net. This requires special talent in terms of the player's touch and volley skills. Relive the moment when Muchova recreated the SABR.

A funny scene in the audience was captured after Coco Gauff's match against Emma Navarro. A real party atmosphere was experienced in the Arthur Ashe Stadium, where the defending champion ended up losing in three sets after committing an incredible 18 double faults.

Beyond the result, two fans stole the show by dancing in a peculiar way in the stadium stands. Television broadcasts captured two lively women stealing the spotlight with an eye-catching dance. You can find the moment during the Gauff-Navarro match: “These two ladies had too much of honey deuce,” posted a user on X.

Jessica Pegula documented Emma Navarro's journey through the Olympic Games. Both players were part of Team USA's tennis representatives at the Olympics. Navarro fell in the third round to eventual gold medalist Zheng Qinwen, while Pegula exited in the second round after losing to Elina Svitolina.

Despite the defeats, the players experienced different days from their usual schedule, staying in the Olympic Village and spending more time together than they normally would on the Tour. Pegula shared a video on TikTok showing behind-the-scenes moments of Navarro at the Olympics, where the 23-year-old is often seen in a hurry because she's late or taking a nap in various places.

Matteo Berrettini and Carlos Alcaraz met in Monza to attend the 2024 Italian Grand Prix. The 4-time Grand Slam champion suffered an early defeat in the second round of the US Open to Botic Van De Zandschulp, while Berrettini fell to Taylor Fritz, also in the second round.

Both players are enjoying some days off before their next challenges and enjoyed Formula 1 at one of the oldest races, held in Monza, which saw Charles Leclerc as the winner. Berrettini and Alcaraz posted a photo together enjoying the event.

The Spaniard was interviewed before the race about his love for Formula 1: “Very well, very well,” Alcaraz said in Spanish about his love for the sport. “The truth is, we were able to come here to Formula 1. The truth is, for me, it’s a pleasure, and we are going to enjoy it.”

On the other hand, Jannik Sinner, a friend of Leclerc, although still competing in the US Open, took the time to send a greeting to the latest Grand Prix winner.

Jack Draper responded to his 'Dream scenarios' in an interview with Sky Sports. The Brit No. 1 reached the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career after defeating Tomas Machac in straight sets. Draper was asked who his dream men's doubles partner would be.

“I’d have to say Andy (Murray). There are a lot of players that I feel like I’d like to play with, but I think playing with Andy, you know, like what we saw with Carlos (Alcaraz) and Rafa (Nadal). That’s something I’d like to do,” he said.

Additionally, Draper was asked who his ideal mixed doubles partner would be and he responded with Laura Robson, the former silver medalist in the Olympic Games, specifically in mixed doubles.

Check out the rest of Draper's responses about his dream Grand Slam to win, his dream meal, and more.