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12h ago

U.S. Open Kicks Off Sunday as 15-Day Event, Drawing Player Pushback

Organizers cite greater fan access, weekend TV exposure, increased prize money.

Emma Raducanu, of Great Britain, serves to Ena Shibahara, of Japan, during the first round of the US Open tennis championships, Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Day 1 marked the tournament’s first Sunday start, expanding singles play from 14 to 15 days at Flushing Meadows.
  • Several players voiced opposition, with Jordan Thompson rejecting the shift and Jessica Pegula criticizing limited athlete input.
  • Pegula referenced a March letter from about 20 players seeking better communication, greater welfare contributions, and a larger revenue share.
  • USTA officials point to record $85 million in prize money, including $5 million for each singles champion, plus an extra day of ticketed sessions and broadcast windows.
  • Players warn the new cadence can disrupt rest patterns, with Frances Tiafoe noting potential two-day gaps between early-round matches; the move follows Sunday starts by Roland Garros and the Australian Open, leaving Wimbledon as the lone Monday opener.