Novak Djokovic joins Andy Murray in uproar against late finishes at Australian Open
The Serbian joined Andy Murray in demanding actions from the organizers of the Australian Open to help the players
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Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic joined the chorus of players and analysts calling on the Australian Open to move the night games earlier. The Serbian expressed his frustrations after observing matches going on into the late nights in Melbourne. He supported Andy Murray’s complaints, a player who won his second-round match at 4 am and subsequently lost his next match.
Djokovic knows that the players are the ones most affected by this finish time. He believes the spectators will love such late exciting five-setter finishes. But organizers ought to take the opinions of the players in these matters. “‘For the crowd, it’s entertaining, it’s exciting, to have matches (at) midnight, 1, 2, 3am. For us, it’s really gruelling. Even if you go through and win, prevail in these kind of matches, you still have to come back.”
“You have your sleeping cycle, rhythm disrupted completely, not enough time really to recover for another five-setter. Yeah, something needs to be addressed in terms of the schedule after what we’ve seen this year. Players’ input is always important for tournament organisation. Whether it’s decisive, we know that it’s not because it comes down to what the TV broadcasters want to have. That’s the ultimate decision maker,” Djokovic said.
The Serbian will be wary to be a participant in these kinds of long matches. He already has to manage a hamstring strain that has hampered his performance at the Australian Open. Having a five-setter go on into the wee hours of the day will complicate things for Djokovic. The title favorite will be seen playing local lad Alex de Minaur in the fourth round next. And he will be hoping to finish that match soon.
Related: Felix Auger-Aliassime is disappointed with his performance in the Australian Open
Novak Djokovic to face Alex de Minaur in Australian Open fourth round
Djokovic will have to defeat de Minaur if he is to reach the quarterfinals in Melbourne. The 35-year-old will find himself playing in front of a crowd that will root for his opponent. And de Minaur intends to take full advantage of that.
“It’s no secret that I love playing here in my backyard. The Aussie crowd is amazing. They’ve had my back from day dot,” said de Minaur. “My opponents not only have to play against me but they’ve got to play against me and the whole crowd, right?” But beyond that, Djokovic will have the challenge of playing against one of the quickest players on the court. The fact that the two have never faced each other before can also be a threat.
But the Serbian has faced these situations multiple times before. He will only hope his affected hamstring doesn’t become too much of a problem for him in an all-important match.
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