'How the hell': Australian Open called out over Barty and Alcott drama
Aussie World No.1s Ash Barty and Dylan Alcott both enjoyed victories at the Australian Open on Sunday, but fans were left frustrated at the scheduling after they were being shown at the same time.
Barty delivered an impressive performance against American prodigy Amanda Anisimova to win 6-4, 6-3 on Rod Laver Arena.
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However, fans at home pointed out that both Australian World No.1s and fan favourites were scheduled at the same time, meaning they couldn't watch both.
At the same time on Kia Arena, World No.1 Quad Wheelchair player Alcott was in the quarter-final against rival Niels Vink.
In front of another raucous Aussie crowd, Alcott overcome a first set loss to win 6-7, 6-4, 6-2.
The tennis great is playing in his final Australian Open and the fans certainly made their support known during the brilliant contest.
However, fans at home pointed out that both Australian World No.1s and fan favourites were on court at the same time.
Tennis fans took to social media to express their disappointment over the timing of the scheduling, especially on what could have been Alcott's final Australian Open appearance if he had lost.
How the hell did Dylan Alcott and Ash Barty end up scheduled at the same time?? Both number ones in their home country? #AusOpen
— caitlin (@caitlinmcgregor) January 23, 2022
How are Dylan Alcott and Ash Barty on at the same time? Why isn’t Alcott on Rod Laver after Ash?
— Dan Nicholson (@dpn78) January 23, 2022
Whoever scheduled @DylanAlcott and @ashbarty on at the same time needs sacking!!!! @AustralianOpen #AusOpen #AustralianOpen2022 #AO2022 #AustralianOpen
— Josh Gillies (@JoshGillies8) January 23, 2022
This whole @AshBarty playing on one channel and @DylanAlcott on the other is the worst. I gotta keep switching. #AusOpen
— Tj 📷👨🏽💻 (@Tj__Edwards) January 23, 2022
And which genius at AO scheduled Ash Barty and Dylan Alcott to be playing at the same time ????
— Chris (@cwazyw) January 23, 2022
Alcott’s serving for the match, least Nine could have done was put that part on the main channel but no.
Meanwhile, Barry has ice strapped to her calf (I feel her pain regarding that, I’ve been suffering that lately, even without playing tennis professionally)! #ausopen— Nadine (@nlm78) January 23, 2022
Chanel 9, I know I can watch it elsewhere but I'm lazy and keeping in on the main Chanel so feedback...after the Barty match you should have switched to the Alcott match. Australian, WN1, last tournament and just looked like an really good match.
— Rachel (Rae) Edmonds (@CaneInPink) January 23, 2022
Watching Barty, Alcott and the Dub across three screens tonight. Everything is always on at the same time! #PERvWSW #AusOpen
— Nathalie Brough (@nbrough) January 23, 2022
On another note, it was a good day for the Australians with Barty, Alcott and the 'Special K' duo of Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis all winning their matches.
Dylan Alcott announces retirement at Aus Open
The World No.1 was overcome with joy after winning his match and took a moment to thank the crowd for their support.
Alcott will end his career with 23 (or 24) Grand Slam titles, 15 of those in singles, as well as five Paralympic medals - three in tennis and two in basketball.
Nice crowd for Dylan Alcott’s first match at his farewell #AusOpen, but a tough draw against US Open runner-up Niels Vink. pic.twitter.com/nMhvPvWdCL
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) January 23, 2022
The 30-year-old had an incredible season in 2021, winning a Golden Slam of four major titles plus Paralympic gold.
Alcott's rise has brought wheelchair tennis to prominence in Australia, with the likes of Todd Woodbridge praising the grand slam champion for his tireless work to promote the sport and raise awareness.
Alcott is chasing a record eighth consecutive Australian Open triumph in 2022.
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