U.S. Open Expands to 15 Days in 2025
The U.S. Open is expanding to a 15-day tournament for the first time in its history. The event, held at Flushing Meadows, will now kick off on Sunday, August 24th 2025, and run through Sunday, September 7th 2025. This marks the first time in the Open era that the U.S. Open will begin on a Sunday.
The change puts the U.S. Open in line with other Grand Slam events like the Australian Open, which made a similar move in 2024, and the French Open, which became the first major to switch to a 15-day schedule in 2006. The extra day provides more opportunities for matches, allowing more access for fans and increased revenue from ticket sales.
The U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) confirmed that the first-round matches will again span three days—Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday—though no additional changes are planned for the singles main draw after the opening round. Under the previous 14-day format, the first round was spread over three days until 2015, when it was reduced to two.
While there was some initial backlash to the idea of a longer tournament, other Grand Slam events, like the Australian Open, have seen record-breaking attendance after adopting a 15-day schedule. The U.S. Open is expected to benefit in a similar way, with the Sunday start providing access for an additional 70,000 spectators during the expanded tournament. The move also allows for better fan engagement, as the USTA explained that it aims to give more people access to the action.
Wimbledon is now the only major tournament that still starts on a Monday, sticking with its traditional 14-day format. However, even Wimbledon added play on its middle Sunday in 2022, a decision that expanded the tournament by one day.
By expanding to 15 days, the U.S. Open not only aligns with the growing trend among Grand Slams but also boosts its potential for greater revenue and exposure. As the tournament continues to grow, it looks set to offer an even more exciting experience for players and fans alike.
References:
US Open. (2025). US Open main draw expanding to Sunday start in 2025. Available at: https://www.usopen.org/en_US/news/articles/2025-01-29/us_open_main_draw_expanding_to_sunday_start_in_2025.html [Accessed 30 Jan. 2025].
