Tag Archives: Novak Djokovic

Noshikori and Cilic in Monday night’s US Open Men’s Final?

Tennis fans are in shock.  (I include myself.)

But I would guess most perplexed are the organizers of the US Open themselves.  They wanted Roger Federer in that final game and, I contend, gave him every advantage to get there.

Just take a look at his schedule:

• Aug. 26th — Round 1, night match, Arthur Ashe
• Aug. 29th — Round 2, night match, Arthur Ashe
• Aug. 31st —  Round 3, last match of day session, Arthur Ashe
• Sept. 2nd — Round 4, night match, Arthur Ashe
• Sept. 4th —  Quarterfinals, night match, Arthur Ashe
• Sept. 6th —  Semifinals, rain delayed to early evening, Arthur Ashe

If he were the #1 seed, or the #1 player in the world, you could argue that Federer was given more night matches due to his position.  But Djokovic occupies both of those spots, and he played primarily day session matches — was even scheduled in Louis Armstrong one afternoon.

If organizers cite TV ratings as justification for the schedule,  I call foul.  Federer was able to march through the draw without being forced to endure court temperatures over 100 degrees like every other player….

And that’s an unfair advantage.