Wozniacki hits out at Sharapova scheduling

Caroline Wozniacki has hit out at US Open scheduling, questioning the decision to place Maria Sharapova on Arthur Ashe for her two opening matches at the US Open. The world No.5 was beaten in a late-night thriller by Ekaterina Makarova on Court 17, after earlier watching Sharapova battle past Babos on Ashe.

“I think putting out a schedule where the No.5 in the world is on Court 5, fifth match on, I feel at 11pm, I think that’s unacceptable,” Wozniacki said to Danish TV station, Ekstrabladet.

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“When you look on centre court, I understand completely the business side of things and everything, but someone who comes back from a drugs sentence and performance-enhancing drugs, and all of a sudden gets to play every single match on centre court, I believe is a questionable thing to do. I think it doesn’t set a good example.

“I think someone who has fought their way back from injury and is five in the world deserves to play on a bigger court than Court 5.”

Wozniacki’s match was originally scheduled for Court 5, but was eventually moved to Court 17 (a stadium court). However, because of a congested schedule that saw 87 matches played out on day three, the world No.5 did not start her match until 11pm local time.

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Sharapova, meanwhile, has played exclusively on Arthur Ashe in the opening rounds of the tournament. After playing the opening night match on day one on Centre Court – one of the biggest matches of the tournament – the Russian was placed third on Ashe on day three. She has been scheduled for second night match on Ashe on day five of the tournament.

Despite criticism from the playing group, Sharapova has repeatedly said that she has received a warm welcome from fans wherever she plays in New York.

“I’ve had an amazing reaction from fans since I’ve been back, and that’s been very special. I felt it while I was away. I felt it in a real presence since I’ve been back. It’s a very special feeling,” the world No.146 said.