It wouldn’t be a tennis major without a sprinkle of controversy. While Novak Djokovic made headlines for becoming the only player to win 90 matches or more at every Grand Slam, his scheduling has brought in some conflict. Everyone wants to see top players competing at the foremost stadiums. But then those favorites differ for everyone. And if the latest social media chatter is to be believed, Djokovic is not on top of the list, for the locals.

The Serbian is looking for a record-setting 25th Grand Slam, which would make him break his own record of 24. Even though the season has so far been disappointing, Djokovic is still riding high on the Olympic gold glory. Having defeated Radu Albert and his countryman Laslo Djere who withdrew in the third set, Djokovic will now face Alexei Popyrin in round three. But for many, a Djoker match is much less valuable than two of the country’s biggest stars clashing – Ben Shelton vs. Frances Tiafoe.

Both matches will take place at Arthur Ashe Stadium today and their drastically different timings have dismayed many. While late-night matches might be preferable for the audience, Djokovic contrastingly spoke against it after he cleared the first round. “Well, I don’t think that aging helps really staying so late and playing very late,” he said after defeating Albert. “I can feel, you know, my batteries are low now. I’m shutting down.” Nevertheless, the fans still feel like the former World No. 1 is receiving preferential treatment.

Tennis fans in disbelief as US Open favors Novak Djokovic over home favorites

When an angry fan pointed out on a tennis forum, “All 3 of Djokovic’s U.S. Open matches have been evening matches including the Friday night match scheduled for August 30th. This is blatant favoritism – giving the 37-year-old matches at the coolest part of the day,” the main issue wasn’t Djokovic. But who his matches were uprooting. “Meantime, the match between Americans Tiafoe and Shelton has been given a daytime slot when fewer people can watch. The match scheduling at the US Open this year has been very disappointing. Will Djokovic play any day matches at all?” The fan further added.

So far, no. His third-round match against Popyrin is also scheduled for the evening at 7 PM ET, while Tiafoe vs Shelton will take place at 1.15 PM ET. “Djokovic is playing 3 nights in a row and there are other marquee matches I’d rather see at night like Shelton vs. Tiafoe. Djokovic vs. Djere was a dud of a match that ended early in retirement. Make Djokovic play during the day. End the favoritism,” another fan wrote.

Djokovic vs. Djere started as a thriller. The first set took almost an hour, as Djokovic clinched it 6-4, but by the second set, Djere was struggling with pain in the lower abdomen. He ultimately retired after two hours, and 16 minutes of play. Even Nole was disappointed, “It’s not what we want. It’s not what the crowd wants, to see a walkover. He’s such a good player, especially in these conditions.”

One fan pointed out how the next match-up of the Serbinator could bring in some much-needed excitement. “Popyrin won Canada. Djokovic took a month off and is serving below 50%. The USO smells an upset or dramatic 5-setter that will deliver great box office.”

It’s a popcorn match for many whenever the Serbian takes the court. But for those without a bias, another player, preferably American, would be more watched. “Excuse me, I’m just a tennis fan. Djokovic has already been in prime time twice this U.S. Open. Three times is overkill. The prime-time fans want to see someone else play.”

Now Djokovic winning another Grand Slam is anyone’s guess. But while it’s a 50/50 chance, Tiafoe vs. Shelton is much more interesting. “They should schedule Tiafoe-Shelton at night. That might be the first electric match between Americans,” wrote one fan.

While both Tiafoe and Shelton have performed well in Grand Slams before and usually advance to the latter stages of the tournament, only one can emerge victorious this time. Who are you rooting for at the US Open extravaganza? Let us know in the comments below.