If you've been counting down the minutes to see Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton finally collide in the US Open quarterfinals, you're not alone—and you're also not happy about the wait. The tournament's scheduling has turned what should be a prime-time blockbuster into a late-night marathon, and fans are letting the organizers hear it.
The trouble began during Tuesday's afternoon session at Arthur Ashe Stadium, where world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka needed two hours and 22 minutes to outlast Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova in a three-set thriller. That was just the warm-up. Next up, Frances Tiafoe and Alex Michelsen engaged in a five-set epic that stretched the day session to a staggering four hours and 39 minutes. By the time the night session was supposed to begin, the schedule was already in shambles.
The first night match between Emma Navarro and Jessica Pegula was pushed back, and while their three-set battle has been compelling in its own right, it has only added to the delay. As of now, Alcaraz and Shelton aren't expected to step on court before 11 p.m. Eastern—a start time that feels almost disrespectful to a match of this magnitude.
Fans have taken to social media to vent their frustration, and the criticism is blistering. One user wrote, "I'm sorry but this behavior by the US Open should be illegal. Not having Alcaraz Shelton prime time is insane. These dudes aren't gonna start until 11:30. There's a chance they'll be playing at 4am." Another chimed in, "This Alcaraz – Shelton match isn't going to start until around 11pm so the game might not end until 4 in the morning. LOCAL TIME."
The complaints aren't just about the hour—they're about the principle. "Sucks that in your own time zone the US Open's best match won't start until after 11:30pm. Stupid. Use Armstrong and Ashe in the quarters or start matches earlier. Tennis scheduling is a joke," a third fan posted. Even casual observers are weighing in, with one noting, "Tennis really messed up by pushing this Shelton vs Alcaraz so late. Prime time matchup that nobody will be able to stay up for."
This isn't the first time the US Open has faced backlash over its schedule. The tournament has long struggled to balance a packed card with the need for reasonable start times, and this year's chaos has only amplified the debate. Some have pointed to the double standard in how Alcaraz is treated as part of the broader conversation, while others are calling for a calendar overhaul to protect players from these grueling conditions.
For Alcaraz and Shelton, the late start is just another hurdle in a tournament that has already tested their endurance. Both players have shown flashes of brilliance, and their quarterfinal clash has all the ingredients of a classic—powerful serves, electrifying rallies, and raw athleticism. But for fans on the East Coast, staying up until 3 a.m. to catch the finish is a tough ask, especially on a work night.
The US Open's decision to stack matches without a buffer has been a recurring issue, and this year's logjam has pushed the sport's biggest names into the wee hours. It's a scheduling nightmare that feels avoidable, and it's leaving a sour taste in the mouths of fans who just want to watch great tennis without sacrificing their sleep.
As the clock ticks toward midnight, one thing is certain: when Alcaraz and Shelton finally do take the court, the tennis world will be watching—those who managed to stay awake, anyway. The hope is that the match lives up to the hype, but the frustration over when it's happening is already a loss for everyone involved.
