Tennis Players Express Discontent Over Sunday Start at US Open
The change in the US Open calendar, which now starts on Sundays, has generated mixed reactions among tennis players. Figures like Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova had already expressed their disagreement with this modification when it was implemented at Roland Garros almost two decades ago. The adaptation of the American tournament to this trend has not been well received by all current players, despite the presence of fans since the beginning of the competition.Australian tennis player Jordan Thompson, who reached number 26 in singles and number 3 in doubles, expressed his rejection of this new schedule. On the first day, Thompson faced Corentin Moutet at Flushing Meadows, where 15 days of individual competition will now be held instead of 14. The decision, largely motivated by economic issues, has drawn criticism from the players.I hate the Sunday start. Tournaments don’t start on Sundays; they end on Sundays. I’m sure no player likes it, particularly me.
Jordan Thompson
Jessica Pegula, runner-up of the 2024 US Open and fourth seed this year, also expressed her disapproval. Pegula, who was scheduled to play at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday night against Mayar Sherif, believes that this measure, similar to that adopted by the French Tennis Federation in 2006 and the Australian Open in 2024, demonstrates a lack of consideration for the athletes’ opinions. Wimbledon is currently the only Grand Slam tournament that starts on Mondays. Pegula noted that players’ opinions are often sought, but not listened to. She was one of 20 tennis players who signed a letter in March, addressed to the Grand Slam organizers, requesting better communication, more support for player well-being, and greater revenue sharing. This situation arises at a time when players have expressed concern about the increasing length of non-Grand Slam tournaments, which now exceed a week. Tennis officials argue that the increase in prize money, which reaches a record $85 million, including $5 million for each singles champion at the US Open, justifies these changes. Brendan McIntyre, a US Open spokesperson, commented that the addition of a 15th day of individual competition “offers more fans the opportunity to witness the competition in person and gives fans around the world the chance to watch it… [on television] on a weekend.” However, some players, such as Thompson, Frances Tiafoe, and Matteo Arnaldi, consider the scheduling to be a mistake. They point out that a player who debuts on Sunday and wins would not play again until Wednesday, disrupting the usual rhythm of the Grand Slams.I’m really not a fan. I don’t know why they had to make it even longer. Well, I know why they did it: they can sell tickets for an extra day.
Jessica Pegula
I get it. Why not? If you can make money in a day and get the guys out, and we’re all here anyway… it’s not bad. But two days off so early in a Grand Slam? It’s a bit weird.
Frances Tiafoe
