Fans blast Aus Open over 'awful' Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios scheduling to start grand slam

Tennis fans have been left baffled at Australian Open organisers after it was revealed Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Nick Kyrgios will all be playing their opening match at the same time to start the tournament. The Australian Open officially starts this week with Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner looking to defend their titles to kick-off the grand slam calendar.

Plenty has been made of Kyrgios' return with Novak Djokovic also garnering plenty of attention at the tournament he has won a record 10 times. However, tennis fans will be forced to switch between matches if they want a glimpse of Djokovic on Rod Laver Arena, or Kyrgios on John Cain Arena with officials scheduling a number of global superstars all on the night session.

Djokovic will kick-off his quest for a record 25th grand slam title against wildcard Nisesh Basavareddy at around 7pm on Monday. On Margaret Court Arena, World No.3 Alcaraz will start his campaign - as he looks to complete his career grand slam with a win in Melbourne - against Alexander Shevchenko at 7pm.

Aussie fans will also have one-eye on Kyrgios' return to grand slam tennis. The enigmatic Aussie has played just one singles match since 2023. The 29-year-old is battling an abdominal strain, which follows years off due to wrist and knee injuries, but will likely feature against Jacob Fearnley in the first round at 7pm on John Cain Arena.

Although tennis fans have pointed out it is a shame for viewers wanting to watch the major stars with all three scheduled to start at the same time. Defending champion Sinner will compete in the afternoon and will have the prime afternoon slot.

And Aus Open officials have copped backlash for their order of play with many fans arguing why arguably the two biggest names in tennis - Djokovic and Alcaraz - have been scheduled on the same night session. Aussie fans have also expressed disappointment Kyrgios will be taking to the court at the same time as the global superstars.

While the scheduling is one of the most difficult elements in organising the Australian Open - with broadcasters also having their input - it's hard to see how the day two night session benefits fanatics. The move also comes as the Australian Open copped backlash in 2024 for extending the first round of play across three days in an attempt to avoid late night finishes.

However, this didn't seem to work in 2024 with plenty of matches starting at bizarre times and finishing in the early hours of the morning. American legend John McEnroe labelled the Aus Open move a "money grab" to add an extra day of selling tickets and advertising spots on TV.

Nick Kyrgios ready to delight Aussie tennis fans

Kyrgios is set to put to bed doubts over his tennis comeback on Monday when he plays his first grand slam match since the 2022 US Open. Having teamed up with Djokovic at the Brisbane International earlier this month, Kyrgios will now compete in singles at a grand slam after years out with re-occuring wrist and knee injuries.

And the Aussie is ready to once again silence his doubters and bring out his charisma on the court at home. “We watch sport because we want personalities. ... It’s like drama, theatre. For me, being personally back, it adds a bit of question marks to, like, ‘What is going to happen today?" he said ahead of the tournament.

"I love that. Every time I step out on court, I don’t know if I’m going to be super controversial in a good or bad way,” he added. Kyrgios' participation was put in doubt after withdrawing from an exhibition with Djokovic ahead of the tournament due to an abdominal muscle injury. Although it appears the 27-year-old is ready to make his comeback against Fearnley on his favourite Melbourne arena. Fans will also hav