‘Tennis Coverage in America Is Literally the Worst’- Former Player Lashes Out as Rafael Nadal’s Encounter Versus Zverev Faces Streaming Troubles

As Rafael Nadal battled Alexander Zverev in the first round of the French Open, every fan had their eyes glued to the clash. While the lucky ones got to witness it live on Court Philippe-Chatrier, the rest of us were watching it live from our television screens. Unfortunately, one Brazilian player, currently in America, was unable to find the platform where they could view the match, and many were just as vexed as the player.

Karue Sell dreamt of watching what could be Rafa’s final clash at Roland-Garros. Unfortunately, he was unable to find a platform to stream or find the broadcast for the match. On his ‘X’ page, he wrote angrily, “How does one watch the rafa match in the US? Is it on peacock? Tennis coverage in America is literally the worst. It’s almost like they try to ruin it on purpose.”

Sell has experienced an issue that is all too familiar to the American audience. Tennis streams on various services, but the variety makes it all the more confusing for fans and players alike to follow. One user found solace through the player as they wrote, “Glad I am not only one with the issue 🤣”.

One invoked some friendly rivalry as online interactions between Americans and Canadians are not the sweetest. While the population of the two countries is usually divided, they face similar issues when it comes to watching tennis. One Canadian user confided with the player, “Can’t be as bad as it is in Canada!! TSN is awful.”

Tennis has decreased in popularity since American players have not seen the top of the ATP for a long time. Therefore, many might simply not be interested in overseas tournaments. Despite helping Sell with useful information, one fan revealed how the experience is frustrating. “Peacock. The French Open is a tough sell to the general American sports public this time of year.”

NBC, Peacock, and Tennis Channel took the burden of streaming various rounds of the sport. However, fans are still facing confusion about what streaming is. A user left a comment that showed the troublesome switches a viewer needs to make depending upon their region. “On the East Coast, it’s on NBC, but I see that you’re on the west coast. Both Tennis Channel and Peacock should work.”

One couldn’t help but write how American coverage is “by far the worse. So frustrating.” Many might be advocating for Tennis Channel, the country’s premium streaming site for the sport but it’s apparently not timely, “Tennis channel so delayed too.”

The last month has been rife with streaming services botching up viewing experience for those at home, which shows issues have been persistent for a while.

Tennis Channel faces wrath for back-to-back tournaments

Simply searching Tennis Channel on X would show the rage of American tennis fans over services that show the sport. The most notable backlash came during the Italian Open final between Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka. An important clash between the world’s top 2 players, marred by constant ad breaks, even during points! Furthermore, a split screen was implemented, which saw commentators on camera along with the match on a smaller screen.

Madrid Open was marked with a poor experience as well. Many fans claimed they saw delayed broadcasts regardless of their subscription tier. One fan even claimed that when the match between Maria Sakkari and Sloane Stephens had begun the second set on Tennis Channel, it had already concluded in real-time.

With another addition to poor viewership experience, will the services finally listen to fans and change the way they deliver the stream?