Three-time grand slam champion Carlos Alcaraz wants to play on Rod Laver Arena, after missing out on the chance to be on centre stage in the opening two rounds.
The world No.3 has played both his matches on Margaret Court Arena, a 7500-seat smaller venue than the 15,000 capacity of centre court.
Carlos Alcaraz in action on Margaret Court Arena.Credit: Eddie Jim
Scheduling has been a hot topic at this year’s Australian Open, after Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios were scheduled on court at the same time on Monday night.
Djokovic and Alcaraz were once again competing for viewers on Wednesday after they were both given the second day session. Djokovic has played on Rod Laver Arena for both of his matches.
“Well, I like playing on Margaret Court Arena – I think it’s a really beautiful court,” Alcaraz said.
“Obviously, I want to play on Rod Laver, but we have to see the schedule, as well.”
While Alcaraz has been missing out on centre court appearances, he has been given his preferred time slot during the day.
“As I said many times, I don’t like to play night sessions,” Alcaraz said. “I prefer to play day sessions. After the match, I can recover much better. I can go to sleep at a good time. It’s not too late for me.
“So I prefer to play a day session. If I have to play on Margaret Court, which is a really beautiful and great court, I’m going to do it. Obviously centre court of the grand slams, here in Australia the Rod Laver, is one of those courts that you want to play in.”
Tennis Australia conceded meeting all scheduling requests was difficult.
“The AO is more than just Rod Laver Arena, and with such a high concentration of world-class talent and many factors, including player and broadcast requests – and Carlos has made no secret about wanting to play during the day – scheduling does become somewhat of a puzzle,” they said.
“However, we are fortunate to have three incredible arenas, each with their own unique personality and creating a sensational atmosphere for the players to compete at their best and the fans to enjoy.”
International broadcasters are considered when scheduling certain players. American players, for example, are sometimes given day sessions in Australia because it’s prime time for ESPN back in the States.
However, American Frances Tiafoe said he would be putting a request in for a night session after he was sick on court during his 11am five-set match against Arthur Rinderknech.
“I mean, it’s 11am, it’s a tough time. We played for four hours. All of lunch we are playing through it. We ate at 10am … I feel like it’s really tough to prepare. But it is what it is … I didn’t request anything,” Tiafoe said.
“I think you guys know I’m more of a night owl out here. I would have liked third [session], but, you know, when they schedule it, you play … There will be a request in for the next round, for sure.”
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