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US Open’s 15-Day Debut: Venus Williams Bows Out as No. 6 Madison Keys Falls Early

Organizers expanded to 15 days to capture an extra weekend, a move some players say compresses recovery time.

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Aug 24, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA;  Jessica Pegula (USA) hits to Mayar Sherif (EGY) on day one of the 2025 U.S. Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • The main draw began Sunday under a new 15-day schedule, with a record $85 million purse and $5 million to each singles champion.
  • Players voiced objections to the Sunday start, with Jessica Pegula noting the tight turnaround from the Cincinnati Open.
  • Venus Williams, 45, lost 6-3, 2-6, 6-1 to No. 11 Karolína Muchová in her first-round return, marking her 25th US Open appearance and 101st match at the event.
  • No. 6 seed and Australian Open champion Madison Keys was upset by Renata Zarazúa 6-7 (10), 7-6 (3), 7-5, tallying 89 unforced errors and 14 double-faults.
  • Defending champion Jannik Sinner, labeled the odds-on favorite after two majors earlier this year, is slated to open his title defense on Tuesday.