Fans eagerly awaiting the 2025 US Open were taken aback when Tennis TV released the tournament’s main draw graphic featuring Novak Djokovic’s image instead of Taylor Fritz’s, despite Fritz being the highest seed in his quarter. The move, revealed shortly before the start of the US Open in New York, ignited widespread frustration across social media where viewers highlighted the snub of Fritz in favor of the Serbian star.
Novak Djokovic, returning to action after his Wimbledon semifinal loss on July 11, 2025, skipped the preceding Masters 1000 events in Toronto and Cincinnati due to a groin injury and other undisclosed non-medical reasons. His comeback was highlighted by Tennis TV’s four-quarter graphic of the US Open draw, which conspicuously placed Djokovic’s image in the third quarter, despite being seeded seventh, rather than that of Taylor Fritz, who was seeded fourth and held the top spot in that section.
The discrepancy did not go unnoticed, prompting multiple fans to express their disappointment publicly. One commenter remarked,
So it’s Nole’s quarter not Taylor’s?? Right…..
—Fan Comment
Another fan questioned the decision directly, emphasizing Fritz’s rank and deserving place on the promotional graphic:
Hey tennis tv why are we having no.7 seed here with top 4 seeds and their respective quarters? That should be Taylor Fritz there, don’t you think?
—Krista (@DrScullyLeclerc)
Additional voices condemned what they saw as a clear omission of Fritz’s presence by sharing statements like:
Not the Taylor Fritz erasure in not using his photo for his quarter,
—Fan Comment
and
Giving the seventh seed the quarter graphic is quite literally insane,
—Fan Comment
Others pointed out the disrespect implied by replacing Fritz’s image in the graphic.
Fritz is the highest seed in the third quarter, but y’all used Novak’s picture? The disrespect.
—Fan Comment
Meanwhile, Taylor Fritz’s recent performance included participation in the US Open mixed doubles event where he, alongside partner Andrea Vavassori, was defeated by the team of Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori. Fritz is now preparing to start his singles matches against fellow American Emilio Nava, hoping to make a strong run in the tournament.
Uncertainty Surrounds Djokovic’s Future Amid Tournament Pressure
While Djokovic’s comeback has been a major talking point, concerns about his career longevity were raised following his underwhelming performance at Wimbledon. Tennis analyst and former player Patrick McEnroe shared candid thoughts on Djokovic’s situation, suggesting that the 2025 US Open may be pivotal for the Serbian star’s career outlook.
I think Novak definitely needs some help [to win the US Open]. I think the bigger question we may be asking ourselves by the time this tournament is done, is will he come back? Will he be back? Because I have my doubts,
—Patrick McEnroe
I don’t think he knows. I don’t have any inside information. I don’t think he knows, but what I do know is that he’s not going to continue to play if he doesn’t think he can win. And I think time’s running out for him to win,
—Patrick McEnroe
Djokovic is set to open his singles campaign with a match against Learner Tien as he chases his 25th Grand Slam title, a milestone that has eluded him since his 2023 US Open victory.
Implications of the Graphic Choice for Fans and Players
The controversy surrounding the US Open graphic has highlighted broader tensions in tennis fandom and media representation, especially regarding recognition of emerging talents like Taylor Fritz. Fans feel that Fritz’s position as the highest seed in his quarter warrants greater visibility, and the decision to feature Djokovic’s image instead has been viewed as unfair and disrespectful.
This incident not only illustrates the passionate engagement of tennis supporters but also raises questions about the criteria and decision-making processes behind tournament promotions. For Fritz, this controversy might amplify his visibility and support, adding pressure as he begins his singles journey in the tournament.
For Djokovic, the upcoming matches carry increased weight not only for his trophy aspirations but also for his career’s future trajectory, underscored by McEnroe’s pointed observations. The US Open 2025, therefore, stands as a significant moment for both players and the sport’s global audience.