U.S. Open Scheduling Draws Criticism for Late-Night Finishes

South Bend Elkhart, IN, September 6, 2026 —

The U.S. Open tennis tournament, held annually in New York, is facing scrutiny over its scheduling practices, specifically concerning the late conclusion of several matches. Reports indicate that a number of contests have extended past 2 a.m., raising concerns among players and spectators alike.

This pattern of late-night and early-morning finishes has reportedly contributed to player fatigue. The demanding nature of professional tennis, coupled with minimal rest between matches, can impact player performance and well-being. The scheduling has also been linked to visible empty seating during these late hours, suggesting a potential disconnect between the tournament’s programming and audience availability or tolerance for such late events.

The situation has prompted a growing pushback against the current scheduling approach. While the exact reasons for scheduling matches so late into the night or early morning have not been detailed in the summary, the consequences – player exhaustion and sparse attendance – have become a focal point of discussion. The tournament organizers have not yet provided a public statement or detailed explanation regarding these scheduling decisions or the criticism they have generated. The duration of matches, broadcast demands, and the desire to feature prominent players are often cited as factors in such scheduling, but specific details for this year’s U.S. Open late-night contests were not provided.

As the tournament progresses, the debate over balancing broadcast rights, player welfare, and fan experience through scheduling is expected to continue. The extent of the pushback and any potential future adjustments by the U.S. Open organizers remain to be seen.

Story summarized from the original created by AP on apnews.com, see more information here.