The US Open officially began its 2025 edition on Sunday, opening with a historic change that has already sparked both excitement and controversy. For the first time in its history, the tournament will run across 15 days rather than the traditional 14. The extension adds an extra Sunday at the start of the schedule, creating additional ticketed sessions and allowing more fans to enjoy the early rounds of one of tennis’s most prestigious events.
The decision, announced earlier this year by the United States Tennis Association, was aimed at improving logistics for players, easing congestion in the early rounds, and enhancing the overall fan experience. Tournament organizers estimate that the new format will bring in around 70,000 more spectators during the opening days alone, pushing overall attendance above one million for the first time in the event’s history. With matches spread more evenly across stadiums such as Arthur Ashe, Louis Armstrong, and the Grandstand, organizers hope the change will relieve the overcrowding often seen during the early days of play.
The scheduling change also places the US Open in line with the Australian Open and French Open, both of which already feature 15-day formats. Wimbledon remains the only Grand Slam tournament adhering to the traditional two-week model. This shift marks a significant evolution for the US Open, which has often been at the forefront of innovation in the sport, from introducing night matches decades ago to implementing equal prize money for men and women before any of the other majors.
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However, not everyone is celebrating. Some players have voiced strong objections, arguing that the new schedule prioritizes commercial gains over the athletes’ well-being. Australian player Jordan Thompson was among the most vocal critics, saying that the extended tournament could disrupt rhythm and add to player fatigue, especially for those who compete in events leading up to the Open. American star Jessica Pegula echoed similar concerns, noting that players were not widely consulted before the decision was made. The tension between tournament organizers and players highlights the delicate balance Grand Slam events must maintain between expanding fan access and safeguarding the competitive integrity of the sport.
Despite the debate, the opening day of play highlighted why the US Open remains one of the most dynamic spectacles in sports. Defending women’s champion Aryna Sabalenka began her title defense with a confident victory, while 2021 champion Emma Raducanu earned her first US Open win since her stunning run to the title four years ago. American favorites Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton advanced, energizing home crowds, while Leylah Fernandez, Marketa Vondrousova, and Jelena Ostapenko also impressed in early matches. Perhaps the most notable story came from Indonesia’s Janice Tjen, who secured her country’s first Grand Slam main-draw victory in more than two decades.
On the men’s side, drama unfolded when former champion Daniil Medvedev lost a tense five-set battle to Benjamin Bonzi. The match ended in chaos after a photographer disrupted play on match point, leading to an outburst from Medvedev and a heated exchange with officials. The incident underscored the intensity of the tournament’s early stages and added to the unpredictability that fans have come to expect from the US Open.
The tournament has also introduced new elements beyond the main draw. Mixed doubles, which traditionally ran alongside singles matches, was moved ahead of the main event this year and revamped with a major boost in prize money. Champions in the mixed doubles will now take home $1 million, a sharp increase from the previous $200,000, with matches restructured into shorter sets and match tiebreaks to create a faster-paced spectacle. Organizers hope the change will bring greater visibility to the mixed format and engage fans in new ways.
Beyond the matches, the 15-day format is reshaping the fan experience in ways that go beyond the numbers. An expanded schedule allows for more balanced programming of marquee matches in prime viewing slots, potentially reducing the marathon late-night sessions that have drawn complaints in past years. For fans on the grounds, the additional day provides more opportunities to experience the signature atmosphere of the US Open: the buzzing energy of Arthur Ashe Stadium at night, the intimate thrill of matches on smaller courts, and the vibrant festival-like feel of the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
The change also reflects the growing commercial power of the sport. With tennis continuing to expand its global audience, the US Open stands as a showcase not only of athletic excellence but also of brand partnerships, broadcast reach, and fan engagement opportunities. Extending the schedule provides more inventory for sponsors and broadcasters, and with record-breaking attendance projected, it underscores the economic strength of the tournament.
As the 2025 US Open begins its historic run, the atmosphere in New York reflects both anticipation and debate. Fans are reveling in the chance to see more tennis, while players remain divided over whether the longer tournament serves their best interests. What remains certain is that this year’s edition will set a precedent for how Grand Slam tournaments may evolve in the future. Whether the 15-day format becomes the new norm or sparks a reevaluation will depend not only on fan turnout and financial success but also on how the athletes endure the longer schedule.
For now, the spotlight remains on the courts, where the world’s top players begin their quest for one of the sport’s ultimate prizes. The extended timeline ensures there will be more moments, more drama, and more history made under the bright lights of New York.