Australian wheelchair tennis legend Dylan Alcott has suggested a hilarious solution to the major scheduling headache facing the Australian Open organisers.
As they were on Friday, both Alex de Minaur and Novak Djokovic are scheduled to play on Sunday, with both strong candidates to be the headline men's match at 7pm on Rod Laver Arena.
Djokovic hasn't played on any court other than RLA for six years – his last game on another court coming in the third round in 2018.
FOLLOW LIVE: Australian Open day seven
READ MORE: Ukraine star defiant message to Russian rivals
READ MORE: Then there was one: Demon's next rival revealed
Even then, he was on Margaret Court Arena, where he beat Spaniard Albert Ramos-Vinolas 6-2, 6-3, 6-3.
De Minaur, meanwhile, played his first two matches on RLA, but was bumped to John Cain Arena on Friday night so Djokovic could have RLA.
Speaking on Nine's Weekend Today on Saturday morning at Melbourne Park, Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said it was a "big decision".
"It's great to have him, as he was last year in the second week … we're going to make a decision today where it's going to be on the schedule," he said.
"But it's going to be a great match."
On Nine's coverage of the Australian Open, Sam Stosur said she didn't envy Tiley's position.
"I think (De Minaur) is definitely worthy of an RLA match for sure – an Aussie crowd (to) try and get him into the quarters, and I'm sure he'd love a night crowd," she said.
"But how do you not put Djokovic in that position?"
Watch the 2024 Australian Open live and exclusive on Nine, 9Now and ad-free on Stan Sport
Alcott suggested the solution was simple.
"I think Novak has had 14-straight night matches here … tough one, if I was a betting man, I'd put Demon at 7pm (and) Novak on the party court, court six – he'd love that out there," he said.
Court six features a two-storey courtside bar, as Australian Open organisers chase a 'Party Court' vibe similar to party holes that are becoming a regular feature at golf tournaments.
The court has drawn criticism from players, but organisers have stated the court will remain a feature in years to come.
"He might love it – it got him up the other night, a bit of crowd interaction," Alcott said of Djokovic playing on court six, before suggesting a much more likely solution.
"I think they'll both be on RLA, but when, who knows."
Demon is the last Australian left in both singles draws, and is facing Andrey Rublev. Djokovic will take on Adrian Mannarino, who has played three five-setters on his way to the fourth round.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.