Frustrated tennis fans have vented their anger at Miami Open chiefs after they missed the chance to see Novak Djokovic in action due to a late schedule change. The Serbian was due to play his quarter-final against Sebastian Korda late on Wednesday night once Emma Raducanu’s tie against Jessica Pegula was completed. But that match went deep into a third set, meaning the 11pm cut-off point set out by the ATP had passed. Consequently, the clash between Djokovic and Korda was scheduled for Thursday. Organisers had already been on the backfoot after persistent rain interrupted Tuesday’s play, with Arthur Fils vs Alexander Zverev forced into Wednesday’s schedule as a result.

But the decision to communicate that the fixture had been rescheduled beyond 11pm left tennis fans furious, having watched only one match as part of their night session entry. One match-going fan, Samantha Triana, 27, had been dreaming of seeing Djokovic for some time, having followed the Serbian since childhood. Ms Triana, who hails from Venezuela and lives in Miami, shelled out £176 ($227) for four tickets, which were located in the upper level of the arena.

Speaking exclusively to Express Sport, she is convinced tournament organisers made a grave error in judgement by failing to inform spectators that Djokovic’s fixture would be moved to Thursday. “I purchased the tickets for the night session because I work until 5pm everyday, and the night games are the only ones I can go to during the week. I bought them to see Djokovic, I’ve been a fan of him since I was a kid,” she said.

“I’m frustrated that they didn’t schedule better the games, especially because it’s very likely that it’s going to be late if the games go longer than average. Everyone has to work tomorrow [Thursday] and it was already 11.35pm [when the announcement was made]. Everyone was staying to see Djokovic, so saying at that time [that the game would be moved] was just insane.”

Social media users collectively blasted the decision, while another fan from Colombia claimed on social media they had splashed out over £773 ($1,000) to secure their seat. While Miami Open officials responded by offering cheap tickets – costing $12.50 after fees – no refunds were issued as one match had been played, which satisfied the criteria to avoid a payout.

However, Ms Triana pointed out that those who were forced to go back to work wouldn’t have the chance to take up that option: “It would have been fair to give at least that game free for everyone who had already bought a ticket before,” she added.

“But I guess it’s hard, given there is only one main stadium court with all that seating and you have other games going on. I do believe they should have been a refund option, especially for those who can’t make it today. Two of my friends can’t make it due to work later.”

After scoring night tickets again, she vowed to return to Miami Gardens to catch the Djokovic encounter again once she finishes her day job.