An American financial analyst has been grilled online after an “entitled” comment about the Australian Open men’s final between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz.
Eric Balchunas, a Bloomberg Intelligence ETF analyst, caused a stir when he complained about the huge time difference between Australia and the US, despite the final being staged at a prime time AEDT slot.
“I know this sounds US-centric but they really should have figured out a way to play this epic final match not at 330am EST,” Balchunas posted on X.
“US audience – and all those extra ad dollars – totally shot. I love tennis but I love my beauty sleep even more.”
Australian sporting commentators and former tennis players alike have responded to his post, with many slamming him for his “entitled” opinion.
“Well Eric. It’s prime time in Australia. Also Eric. Every year of my life living and growing up in Australia, i had to get up at 4am for every other grand slam, so basically, suck it up mate,” Aussie tennis great Rennae Stubbs posted.
“US-centric? Don’t be so hard on yourself. Not at all,” Leading Aussie sport commentator and Stan Australian Open host Adam Peacock quipped.
“If only there was a tournament specifically catered for US audiences,” added Code Sports journalist Lachlan McKirdy.
Former BBC TV host Tommy Pearson wrote: “American thinks everything in the world should be done for the benefit of Americans. What a surprise”.
“This sure sounds US-centric and pretty entitled,” added tennis commentator Bastien Fachan.
Veteran Australian sport reporter Bernie Coen commented: “Despite what your President thinks not everything revolves around the United States”.
One tennis fan wrote: : “This tournament is called the Australian Open. That is because it is played in Australia in Australian time. Australia is about one-third of the Earth’s circumference west of the USA.
“There is another tournament later in the year called the US Open. That tournament is played in the USA, played in USA times. That makes each day of the event start in the middle of the night in Australia; but it’s an American event and played at times that suit Americans. Hope this helps.”
“It’s wild to me that Americans seem to have no concept of timezones,” another added.
Balchunas’ original post has been viewed over 2 million times since it was posted on Sunday.
The financial analyst has since responded to the backlash saying: “Man, I’m getting lit up for this.
“I kinda deserve it (altho tbf I did own my US-centricity right off the bat). That’s what makes this site so great tho, ppl push back, even thrash you, esp anons. Conflict = drama = entertainment.
“LinkedIn meanwhile is 95% “Congrats/good post Bob!”.
Image: Shutterstock/ X
