“Stupidity” of Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Nick Kyrgios’ Australian Open 1R matches draws the ire of tennis insider
Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Nick Kyrgios are scheduled to begin their Australian Open campaigns at the same time on Monday, January 13. Tennis insider Jose Morgado called the scheduling “stupidity” as fans must divide their attention to follow the top ATP stars.
On Day 2 of the season’s first Major, several top tennis stars began their campaigns. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner started his title defense in trademark fashion without dropping a set and dominating tiebreaks. Meanwhile, World No. 12 Stefanos Tsitsipas faced a shock upset against World No. 42 Alex Michelsen.
The night session is set to feature even more stars, notably, all at once. On separate courts, Djokovic, Alcaraz, and Kyrgios will open their 2025 Australian Open campaigns at 7:00 PM Melbourne time.
At the Rod Laver Arena, 10-time champion Novak Djokovic will take on 19-year-old American Nishesh Basavareddy. Four-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz will face Kazkahstan’s Alexander Shevchenko at the Margaret Court Arena. Home favorite Nick Kyrgios will take to the John Cain Arena against debutant Brit Jacob Fearnley.
Tennis insider Jose Morgado took to X to express his disappointment with the scheduling. He wrote:
“Starting in 30 minutes, ALL AT THE SAME TIME: Djokovic vs. Basavareddy… Alcaraz vs. Shevchenko… Kyrgios vs. Fearnley… Congrats to all the involved in this stupidity of a schedule”
To add to the misery of fans having to follow the top stars together, 12th seed Tommy Paul and 10th seed Grigor Dimitrov are also scheduled to begin their first-round matches simultaneously.
Australian Open 2025: Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Nick Kyrgios’ 1R face-offs
Carlos Alcaraz practicing at the 2025 Australian Open – Source: GettyCarlos Alcaraz practicing at the 2025 Australian Open – Source: Getty
Novak Djokovic will take on Nishesh Basavareddy in the first round of the 2025 Australian Open. The 19-year-old American will be making his Grand Slam main draw debut against the 10-time champion. The Serb claimed he knows the youngster would hope “to make a statement” against him in their first battle on tour.
Carlos Alcaraz is set to take on Alexander Shevchenko for the second time on tour. The Spanish player won their only previous battle in Madrid last year. The Kazakhstani began his season at the United Cup and won two of his four singles matches. Meanwhile, Alcaraz will hope to start his 2025 season on a positive note in Melbourne.
Nick Kyrgios will take on Jacob Fearnley in the first round. This is the highly-anticipated return of the home favorite in Melbourne after missing the past two editions. Meanwhile, for Fearnley, this is his first main draw appearance at the Australian Open and both competitors will be hoping to make a mark.
Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Nick Kyrgios are all set to begin their 2025 Australian Open campaigns simultaneously on Monday, January 13, sparking criticism over scheduling. Tennis journalist José Morgado labeled the decision “stupidity,” as fans are forced to split their attention among the top ATP stars.
On Day 2 of the tournament, several big names took to the court. Defending champion and World No. 1 Jannik Sinner made a strong start, breezing through his match without dropping a set. In contrast, World No. 12 Stefanos Tsitsipas suffered a shocking upset, losing to World No. 42 Alex Michelsen.
The night session, however, is drawing particular scrutiny. At 7:00 PM Melbourne time, Djokovic, Alcaraz, and Kyrgios will all play their opening matches on different courts.
Rod Laver Arena: Novak Djokovic, a 10-time champion, will face 19-year-old American debutant Nishesh Basavareddy.
Margaret Court Arena: Four-time Grand Slam winner Carlos Alcaraz takes on Kazakhstan’s Alexander Shevchenko in their second career meeting.
John Cain Arena: Nick Kyrgios, the home favorite making his long-awaited return after missing the past two editions, will play British debutant Jacob Fearnley.
José Morgado took to social media to express his frustration, writing:
> “Starting in 30 minutes, ALL AT THE SAME TIME: Djokovic vs. Basavareddy… Alcaraz vs. Shevchenko… Kyrgios vs. Fearnley… Congrats to all involved in this stupidity of a schedule.”
Adding to the scheduling chaos, matches featuring 12th seed Tommy Paul and 10th seed Grigor Dimitrov are also set to begin at the same time.
First-Round Matchups
Novak Djokovic vs. Nishesh Basavareddy: The Serbian star acknowledged his young opponent’s desire to “make a statement” in his Grand Slam debut.
Carlos Alcaraz vs. Alexander Shevchenko: Alcaraz, who won their only previous meeting in Madrid last year, looks to start his 2025 campaign on a high note. Shevchenko has had a mixed start to the season, winning two of four matches at the United Cup.
Nick Kyrgios vs. Jacob Fearnley: Kyrgios aims to thrill the home crowd in his comeback match, while Fearnley hopes to make a memorable first main-draw appearance.
Fans will have their hands full as they navigate this packed schedule of marquee matches at the Australian Open’s opening round.
