sports and game - The US Open's historic shift to a Sunday start has ignited a heated debate within the tennis community, with prominent players voicing strong opposition to the schedule change. The move, which extends...
the tournament to 15 days of singles competition, follows similar decisions by the French Open and Australian Open, leaving Wimbledon as the lone major maintaining a Monday start.
Veteran players like Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova previously expressed concerns when the French Open pioneered this format nearly two decades ago. Current players, including world No. 4 Jessica Pegula and Jordan Thompson, have been particularly vocal about their disapproval.
The USTA's decision appears primarily driven by commercial considerations, with the organization citing increased fan access and broadcast opportunities. The change coincides with a record $85 million prize money pool, including $5 million for each singles champion.
However, players argue that the extended format disrupts their preparation and recovery routines, particularly affecting those who compete in lead-up tournaments. The new schedule creates an unusual situation where first-round winners on Sunday must wait until Wednesday for their next match, breaking the traditional every-other-day rhythm of Grand Slam play.
The controversy highlights a broader issue in tennis governance - the perceived lack of meaningful player input in major decisions affecting the sport. Pegula, among 20 players who signed a March letter requesting better communication with Grand Slam organizers, points to this change as emblematic of tournament officials' tendency to disregard player feedback.
Veteran players like Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova previously expressed concerns when the French Open pioneered this format nearly two decades ago. Current players, including world No. 4 Jessica Pegula and Jordan Thompson, have been particularly vocal about their disapproval.
The USTA's decision appears primarily driven by commercial considerations, with the organization citing increased fan access and broadcast opportunities. The change coincides with a record $85 million prize money pool, including $5 million for each singles champion.
However, players argue that the extended format disrupts their preparation and recovery routines, particularly affecting those who compete in lead-up tournaments. The new schedule creates an unusual situation where first-round winners on Sunday must wait until Wednesday for their next match, breaking the traditional every-other-day rhythm of Grand Slam play.
The controversy highlights a broader issue in tennis governance - the perceived lack of meaningful player input in major decisions affecting the sport. Pegula, among 20 players who signed a March letter requesting better communication with Grand Slam organizers, points to this change as emblematic of tournament officials' tendency to disregard player feedback.