The tennis world buzzes with debates about match scheduling, but Brad Gilbert’s latest observation cuts right to the heart of it.
When a former US Open-winning coach publicly questions whether a player’s team specifically requests those coveted 11 a.m. slots, you know there’s more to this story than just tournament logistics.
Why Did Brad Gilbert Question Iga Świątek’s Early Start Pattern?
Brad Gilbert, the former coach who guided Coco Gauff to her 2023 US Open title, recently sparked a debate with his observation about Iga Świątek’s Cincinnati Open scheduling patterns. Taking to social media, Gilbert wrote:
“You don’t even have to look at schedule and know Iga Pop on 1st at 11am wonder if her team ask for that or just happens that way a lot.”
you don’t even have to look 👀 at schedule and Know Iga Pop on 1st at 11am 🕚 wonder 💭 if her team ask for that or just happens that way a lot
— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) August 13, 2025
Gilbert’s tweet suggests that Świątek frequently receives the opening slot on center court, starting at 11 a.m. local time. His questioning whether this timing preference is specifically requested by Świątek’s team or simply coincidental has raised questions about potential scheduling arrangements between top players and tournament organizers.
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How Do Tournament Scheduling Patterns Actually Work?
Cincinnati Open matches typically begin at 11 a.m. local time across various courts, with center court often featuring marquee matchups. The scheduling involves multiple considerations beyond simple player preferences, including rest periods between matches, television broadcasting requirements, and venue capacity management.
Tournament scheduling has become increasingly regulated following player concerns about fairness and match conditions. New ATP and WTA rules implemented in 2024 limited matches to no more than five per day per court with 11 a.m. start times.
The Cincinnati Open, a WTA 1000 event, follows specific scheduling protocols, with top seeds often receiving preferential timing considerations. However, official tournament data indicate that first-match assignments at 11 a.m. are standard practice across multiple courts, not exclusive arrangements for particular players.
While Gilbert’s observation about scheduling patterns has generated discussion, tournament officials have not confirmed any specific requests from player teams regarding match timing preferences. Whether Świątek’s early starts result from strategic requests or tournament logistics, the pattern has clearly caught the attention of one of tennis’s most observant coaches.
