Players express discontent with the new format of the US Open this weekend

• Players at the US Open expressed discontent with the new tournament format.
• The additional day of competition is associated with commercial interests.
• The prize fund of the US Open reached a record $85 million.

New York — At this year's US Open, which started this weekend, not all players support this new initiative. Previously, well-known tennis players like Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova expressed their discontent with this decision, which was first introduced at the French Open almost 20 years ago.

Player Jordan Thompson from Australia, who currently ranks 26th in the world ranking, stated: "I don't like the weekend start. Tournaments don't start on weekends; they finish on weekends." Thompson was scheduled to play against Corentin Moutet on the first day of competition at Flushing Meadows, where the tournament will last 15 days instead of the traditional 14.

Jessica Pegula, a finalist at the US Open 2024, also expressed her discontent: "I don't understand why we need to hold the tournament earlier. I know why this is done — to sell tickets for the additional day." She emphasized that many players do not support this initiative, especially those who play on the same day before the tournament.

The format change, which follows the analogical decisions of the Australian Open in 2024 and the French Open in 2006, has caused a stir among sportsmen, who note that organizers rarely take their opinion into account. "Often, when we respond to requests, they don't listen to us," added Pegula.

At the same time, tournament organizers claim that the additional day provides more opportunities for viewers, while the prize fund this year reached a record $85 million, including $5 million for each champion in a single draw.

Nonetheless, some players, such as Thompson and Francis Tiafoe, believe that the new format changes the rhythm of the competition, and the winners of weekend matches will not be able to play midweek. "It's strange," said Tiafoe, who begins his competition on Monday.

Tags: Sport/Tennis