Madrid Open 2024: Angry Tennis Fans Lash Out at Broadcaster Over Bizarre Blunder on Jakub Mensik, Sloane Stephens, and Others

Streaming and broadcasting services are the savior for tennis fans while a match is going on. However, what started as a rock-solid foundation has started to crumble. The tennis channel is the lead in showing fans the matches they desire, but they aren’t reliable at the moment. As the Madrid Open continues with prime tennis action, fans are frustrated as the streaming experiences major delays.

Just a few minutes of difference between streaming and real-time play can completely ruin the viewing experience of tennis fans. Viewers found themselves vexed as Tennis Channel streaming became a nightmare for many.

After Ben Rothenburg, a tennis reporter, shared his disappointment with Tennis Channel, one user wrote, “Currently 5 games behind… Paul vs. Cerundolo is at 3-2 and it’s still 0-0 on the stream. 🤦‍♂️I just canceled my upcoming renewal @TennisChannel.” Several fans followed suit with their thoughts.

One follower said that the clash between Jasmine Paolini and Caroline Garcia was 20 minutes behind. For them, the problem was exaggerated due to the lackluster customer service of Tennis Channel’s premium subscriptions. “yep — 20 minutes behind. It was like this for Paolini vs. Garcia, too. Awful. And TCPlus customer service is of no use.”

Another user said that the match between Maria Sakkari and Sloane Stephens had commenced the second set for streaming, but the match was over in real time. “Yup, the other day the Stephens-Sakkari match was just beginning set 2 and the match was already over in real time.”

The problem became even worse for another fan of Stephens. “Yesterday Sloane’s match was ending before they started.”

One fan said that since the streaming was already so far behind, it was not a good quality service. “5 games late means the streaming is really rubbish. 🤣🤣”

While most fans had issues watching women’s matches, those watching the men’s version better. “DmitrovMensik was way behind yesterday. Khachanov/RBA not quite as bad – really odd.”

This will not be the first time viewing the Madrid Open has been difficult for fans. Tennis Channel opted to stream another sport instead of the long-awaited comeback of an American player.

Tennis Channel snubs player’s comeback after 6 months

Lauren Davis had a shoulder issue when the 2024 Australian Open began. Thus, she withdrew. Recovery took time, and she couldn’t return before the Madrid Open. It was an emotional occasion for her as well as her followers. Those who expected the Tennis Channel to broadcast it, however, were met with a horrifying reality. 

Tennis Channel’s streaming service chose to broadcast a pickleball match rather than Davis’ highly anticipated match versus Maya Sherif. Davis shared her disappointment with the streaming service, saying, “@TennisChannel my first match back in 6 months and my family couldn’t event watch 😭😭😭”. 

Tennis Channel caught the ire of fans and players last week due to their lackluster effort in showing tennis. Will they listen to fans and improve or will they give rise to another service that can capitalize on Tennis Channel’s faults?