"Anything to try and derail Novak Djokovic" - Tennis fans left frustrated as Serb's 1R match delayed due to US Open's equal prize money celebration

Tennis fans were left frustrated at Novak Djokovic's opening match at the 2023 US Open on Monday being delayed to accommodate the celebration of the 50th anniversary of equal prize money at the New York Major.

In 1973, the US Open became the first global sporting event to give equal prize money to male and female competitors. The cause was championed by the-then women's defending champion Billie Jean King.

In honor of the historic anniversary, a ceremony was held in front of a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday.

Former US First Lady Michelle Obama introduced Billie Jean King during the on-court event. Former US President Barack Obama was also in attendance.

The ceremony concluded on a heartwarming note as some of the sport's biggest stars, including Djokovic, Roger Federer, Iga Swiatek, Carlos Alcaraz and Coco Gauff, among others, sent in video tributes for the 12-time Grand Slam champion.

Making a return to the US Open for the first time since his Calendar Slam hopes were dashed by Daniil Medvedev in the 2021 final, Djokovic kicked off his 2023 campaign against France's Alexandre Muller. However, the start of the Serb's match was delayed because of the celebrations.

Several fans expressed their disappointment at the ceremony holding up the 23-time Grand Slam's champion's match. One of them even suggested that the scheduling was created to intentionally derail Djokovic's campaign.

"Anything to try and derail Novak," they wrote.

Another fan lamented the smaller crowd the Serb would presumably have on his return to the US Open after a two-year absence, because of the delayed start.

"I mean I don’t care for Nole but imagine his first match in nyc in two years and it’s starting at like 11pm ppl will definitely around 12," another fan posted.

One user expressed surprise over the celebrations not taking place during the opening ceremony instead.

"Surprised they didn’t do this at the beginning as part of the opening ceremonies," one user wrote.

Here are a few more fan reactions:

Novak Djokovic downs Alexandre Muller to set up 2R clash with Bernabe Zapata Miralles

Novak Djokovic at the 2023 US Open

Novak Djokovic made a strong start to his quest for his 24th Grand Slam title. The Serb put on a dominant display to down Alexandre Muller 6-0, 6-2, 6-3 and advance to the second round in New York.

Djokovic will lock horns with Bernabe Zapata Miralles next. The Spaniard defeated American NCAA champion Ethan Quinn 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 to book his spot against the Serb.

Should Djokovic emerge victorious against Zapata Miralles, he will take on the winner of the match between Hugo Gaston and Laslo Djere in the third round of the 2023 US Open.