"Why is Naomi Osaka after Novak Djokovic" - Fans shocked by 1R overlap ft. Coco Gauff, Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek at Australian Open

Several fans have disapproved of the Monday scheduling of the 2025 Australian Open. The Melbourne Major, which marks the start of the Grand Slam calendar, will see top players such as Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Nick Kyrgios competing simultaneously across different arenas on its second day.

Tennis journalist Jose Morgado revealed the schedule for Monday, January 13, on X. According to the post, Djokovic will begin his campaign against Nishesh Basavareddy at Rod Laver Arena during the night session, while Alcaraz faces Alexander Shevchenko at Margaret Court Arena and Kyrgios takes on Jacob Fearnley at John Cain Arena, all at the same time.

"Super Monday OOP at the #AusOpen, with Novak Djokovic (Laver) and Carlos Alcaraz (MCA) playing at the same time. Swiatek and Kyrgios on John Cain Arena. All six main stadiums are brutal and many big matches on outside courts as well!"

Several fans were perplexed by the Australian Open organizers' scheduling. One fan expressed frustration over Naomi Osaka's first-round clash with Caroline Garcia being scheduled after Djokovic's match on Monday.

"Now, why the fu*k is Naomi playing the night match after goddamn Djokovic… Do not pi*s me the fu*k off," one fan said.

"Sheesh this some awful scheduling," another fan wrote.

Defending champion Jannik Sinner will begin his campaign against Nicolas Jarry at Rod Laver Arena on Monday afternoon. On the same day, third seed Coco Gauff will face Sofia Kenin, while second seed Iga Swiatek will meet Katerina Siniaková at John Cain Arena.

A fan found the opening day of the Australian Open "lackluster", despite the presence of numerous big stars.

"Australian Open organizers with a very bizarre 1st round schedule. Made the 1st round 3 days now to make more money… But then put together a very lackluster opening day today only to have Sinner, Alcaraz, & Djokovic on the same day with Carlos & Novak playing at the same time?" They wrote.

Here are a few more reactions from the fans online:

"Alcaraz and Djokovic at the same time😭," a fan said.

"Sunday was boring and Monday was filled with stars... Who made this plan?" Another asked.

"In what universe is #Sinner a RLA match and #Alcaraz is on MCA ?!" One chimed in.

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Novak Djokovic on Nishesh Basavareddy's potential ahead of their Australian Open 1R clash

Novak Djokovic at a Press Conference - Image Source: Getty

Nishesh Basavareddy last competed at the ASB Classic in Auckland, where he reached the semifinals, though Gael Monfils eventually defeated him. The 19-year-old American will face 10-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic in the first round of the inaugural Major of the season.

Ahead of their match, Djokovic commended Basavareddy for his dynamic play and impressive serving. Speaking to Sportskeeda, the Serb shared that he had spotted the American's potential during his semifinal match in Auckland.

"Well, to be honest, I don't know much about him," he said. "I watched him play yesterday actually for the first time. I think he's playing semifinals of New Zealand tournament now. I saw that he's very quick. He's very talented player. He's got great hands. He's very dynamic. He can serve well, hit spots. Just very complete game overall." He said.

Despite a solid 37-9 win-loss record last season, the Serb was unable to secure a tour-level title, with his Paris Olympic gold being his sole victory. This marked the first time since 2017 that Djokovic ended a season without winning a Major. He will look to start the 2025 season by winning his eleventh Australian Open title and 25th Grand Slam overall.