The decision to begin the US Open on a Sunday has stirred discontent among players, with many expressing their dislike for the change. This shift marks a continuation of a trend that began nearly 20 years ago when the French Open first adopted a Sunday start. The change means that the 2023 US Open will now feature 15 days of singles competition instead of the traditional 14.
Jordan Thompson, an Australian player who has reached a career-high ranking of No. 26 in singles, openly criticized the Sunday start. “I hate the Sunday start,” he stated. “Tournaments don’t start on Sunday; they finish on Sunday. Pretty sure no player would like [it], particularly me.” Thompson was set to compete against Corentin Moutet on the opening day at Flushing Meadows.
The new schedule has also received backlash from Jessica Pegula, the No. 4 seed and 2024 US Open runner-up. “I’m not really a fan of it,” Pegula remarked. She acknowledged the financial motivations behind the change, noting that the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) likely aims to sell tickets for an extra day of matches. “It makes everything a little longer and a little harder,” she added, highlighting concerns from players who participate in tournaments leading up to the Grand Slam.
The Sunday start aligns with the French Tennis Federation’s decision in 2006 to adopt a similar format, followed by the Australian Open’s move to begin on a Sunday in 2024. Currently, Wimbledon remains the only Grand Slam tournament that starts on a Monday. Pegula emphasized a larger issue within the sport, stating that the sport often fails to consider player feedback. “A lot of times, they ask for player feedback and when we do [respond], they don’t listen to anything we say,” she explained. This sentiment was echoed by Pegula and 19 other players who signed a letter in March urging Grand Slam organizers to enhance communication and prioritize player welfare.
As the US Open approaches, players have also voiced frustrations regarding the shift to longer non-Slam tournaments. While tournament officials highlight the benefits of higher prize money associated with extended events, including a record $85 million prize pool for the US Open, some players question the impact on their performance and schedules.
Brendan McIntyre, a spokesperson for the USTA, defended the Sunday start. He indicated that adding a 15th day of singles not only offers more fans the chance to attend matches in person but also allows viewers around the world to enjoy the competition on a weekend.
Despite the potential benefits, players like Frances Tiafoe, a two-time US Open semifinalist, expressed concerns over the new structure. Tiafoe acknowledged the financial reasoning but noted that having two days off early in a Grand Slam could disrupt the rhythm players typically rely on. “It’s a little weird,” he said, reflecting the mixed feelings many players have about the change.
As the tournament unfolds, it remains to be seen how this Sunday start will influence not only player performance but also fan engagement at one of tennis’s most prestigious events.
