In the 2023 US Open, a controversial incident erupted. Coco Gauff, the young tennis sensation, played against Jelena Ostapenko, an experienced opponent, in a quarterfinal match everyone was looking forward to. But beneath the exciting tennis action and loud cheers from the crowd, there’s a problem that’s causing a lot of talk.
Coco Gauff’s super-fast win over Jelena Ostapenko surprised everyone, but what’s causing even more talk is the claims that things weren’t fair. These complaints are spreading well beyond the tennis court.
Brit tennis player weighs in on scheduling problem at the US Open after the quick win of Coco Gauff
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Jelena Ostapenko, post-match, couldn’t help but express her surprise at the scheduling of her match against Gauff. In her post-match press conference, she revealed, “When I asked the day before, I was pretty sure I’d play a night session because that’s what they told me. When the schedule came out, I saw I was playing the first match. I was like, ‘Wow. That’s a little bit strange scheduling.’ I was surprised. Not in a good way.”
This scheduling issue caught the attention of Jamie Murray, a prominent doubles tennis player, and Andy Murray‘s brother. He shared his thoughts on Twitter, saying, “Very unfair scheduling. Only one reason for this.”
Very unfair scheduling. Only one reason for this.
— Jamie Murray (@jamie_murray) September 5, 2023
Coco Gauff’s impressive win over Jelena Ostapenko has led to more than just excitement on the court. The focus is also on the organizers of the US Open, who are being accused of not making the tournament scheduling fair and unbiased.
Jessica Pegula’s take on US Open scheduling
While the 2023 US Open roars on, one player who is keeping exceptionally busy on the courts is Jessica Pegula. Her week at the tournament involves not only singles but also doubles and mixed doubles matches, while her single’s campaign at the US Open has come to an end by the hands of compatriot Madison Keys, her doubles and mixed doubles campaign is still going strong. She has made it to the QF of both the events.
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On a hectic day that saw Pegula triumph over Elina Svitolina, she later discussed the challenges of juggling multiple matches, even though she finds joy in the competition.
“Scheduling, I would say, is probably the main thing,” Pegula noted. “Also physically, I mean, how you’re feeling and stuff is also part of it. I feel like mixed doubles, to me, is just a fun way to go out there and be able to compete. I think as long as you’re feeling okay physically, and the schedule isn’t horrible at the time, I don’t know, I enjoy it. I think it’s fun.”
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While Pegula’s take on US Open may differ from that of Ostapenko’s it is important to note that the tournament should also mindful of player’s recovery period after a win.
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