Carlos Alcaraz, Naomi Osaka's 'ridiculous' Australian Open 2R match schedule infuriates fans: "Misogyny alive and well"

The schedule for the fourth day of the 2025 Australian Open, which will star Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Naomi Osaka, Karolina Muchova and others, has left tennis fans furious. They've expressed disappointment at some of the big names and matches not getting to headline the Rod Laver Arena.

Day 4 will mark the beginning of the second round. While the Rod Laver Arena will feature the likes of Aryna Sabalenka, Novak Djokovic, Coco Gauff and Alexander Zverev, the Margaret Court Arena will boast the likes of Jessica Pegula, Carlos Alcaraz, Casper Ruud and Paula Badosa. Interestingly, Naomi Osaka and Karolina Muchova's highly-anticipated battle will take place at the Kia Arena.

Fans took umbrage at the scheduling, questioning why certain matches or players were placed at Kia Arena that weren't suitable to their popularity or ranking. One fan complained about women always playing before men.

"Here we go again, women’s matches always being played first up. You do this every single year. Seriously. Misogyny alive and well at the AO!!" the fan complained.

Another fan questioned why Carlos Alcaraz was playing at the Margaret Court Arena.

"Why Carlos is still not on Rod Laver Arena..this is ridiculous now," the fan questioned.

Here are some other reactions from tennis fans.

"Terrible scheduling, two-time champ and the best match-up of the day not even getting one of the big courts....," a fan claimed.

"They put Osaka Muchova on the fourth court? Is the Infosys AI thing doing the order of play everyday?" a fan quipped.

"Muchova-Osaka a day session on Kia arena???????????? make it make sense," a fan said.

"Alcaraz/Muchova-osaka not on RLA is crazy disrespectful Enjoy Zverev and Gauff tho cus I wont," a fan remarked.

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How Carlos Alcaraz, Naomi Osaka and other stars kicked off their 2025 Australian Open campaigns

Carlos Alcaraz - Source: Getty

Carlos Alcaraz is looking to complete his career Grand Slam at the 2025 Australian Open. He had a near-perfect start against Alexander Shevchenko defeating the Kazakh 6-1, 7-5, 6-1. The Spaniard faces Yoshihito Nishioka next. His potential quarterfinal opponent Novak Djokovic faced Nishesh Basavareddy, who idolizes the Serb. Djokovic defeated the American 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2.

Naomi Osaka faced the dangerous Caroline Garcia and got her revenge for last year's defeat at the Happy Slam with a statement 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 win. Meanwhile, Karolina Muchova decimated Nadia Podoroska 6-1, 6-1.

Defending champions Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka also got off to strong starts. While the former defeated Nicolas Jarry, the Russian decimated Sloane Stephens to kick off their title defenses.