When it comes to the US Open, the first week is pure magic. Upsets, breakout performances, and nail-biting clashes happen not just on the center courts but across the outside ones too. Tennis fans love being able to jump between matches and follow their favorites, no matter how far down the order they are.
That experience, however, has taken a hit this year. Under SonyLIV, fans in India had the luxury of choosing from at least five live courts from day one of a Grand Slam. Now, with JioHotstar holding the rights, viewers are restricted to just two live courts.
Why This Hurts Fans
This is not a minor tweak. It changes the very way fans engage with the tournament. Instead of getting the full picture, fans are forced to watch only the “headline” matches. The thrill of catching a young rising star upsetting a top seed on an outside court is gone.
Tennis is a sport built on stories, many of which unfold far from the main arenas. By offering fewer streams, JioHotstar reduces fan choice and leaves them with a watered-down version of the Grand Slam.
Why Fans Miss SonyLIV
For years, SonyLIV gave Indian tennis fans what they craved—freedom to explore the tournament as it happened. Whether you followed Djokovic, Serena, Nadal, or an unseeded wildcard fighting for glory, you had control. JioHotstar’s approach feels like a downgrade, and fans have been vocal about their disappointment.
Bigger Question for JioHotstar
As a platform that markets itself as India’s premier sports streaming destination, JioHotstar cannot afford to underdeliver. Viewers are paying not for curated feeds, but for access. And when fans see international markets enjoying multiple live courts while India is left with less, the frustration is understandable.
Unless JioHotstar rethinks its strategy, it risks alienating a loyal sports audience that expects more from a Grand Slam experience.
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