Why Forcing a Sunday Start at the U.S. Open Serves Business, Not Players or Fans

The U.S. Open’s recent shift to begin competition on a Sunday rather than the traditional Monday may look like a modern innovation intended to please fans, but seasoned players view it as yet another example of how business interests trump the well-being and preferences of those who actually make the sport possible.

Veteran players like Australia’s Jordan Thompson don’t mince words: “I hate the Sunday start,” he said bluntly. “Tournaments don’t start on Sunday; they finish on Sunday.” This disruption not only upends the familiar rhythm drawn from decades of tradition but also risks creating unfair competitive stretches for players by altering match schedules unpredictably.

Is More Always Better When It Undermines Players?

The U.S. Tennis Association (USTA), following in the footsteps of other Grand Slams such as the French Open and Australian Open, extended their calendar to 15 days—ostensibly so fans can enjoy more tennis and broadcasters can capitalize on weekend viewership. But at what cost? Jessica Pegula, one of America’s top-ranked stars, criticizes this move as a purely commercial decision that lengthens an already grueling season without consulting players adequately.

“They get to sell tickets for an extra day,” Pegula observes while underscoring how many players find their feedback ignored despite formal requests for involvement in scheduling decisions. This disconnect between governing bodies and athletes reflects a broader trend where national sovereignty over sports governance—once rooted in respect for competitors’ voices—is eroded by globalist-style profit motives.

An America First Approach Would Prioritize Athletes Over Revenue

From an America First perspective, protecting our athletes’ health and performance is paramount because these competitors represent not only themselves but our national pride on the world stage. Extending tournaments without regard for player recovery introduces risks that could diminish American success internationally—a cost far exceeding any short-term financial gain from ticket sales or TV ratings.

The new schedule forces winners who debut on Sunday into an awkward wait before their next match days later, disrupting momentum and conditioning. Frances Tiafoe, an emerging American star seeded 17th this year, acknowledges the money-making logic but warns of its strangeness and potential harm.

This is not just about tennis; it’s about whether our institutions will uphold common-sense policies that protect individuals rather than pushing relentless expansion at their expense. How long will Washington-linked bodies like the USTA continue to ignore athlete welfare in favor of bottom lines? True leadership respects those who sacrifice for excellence—the way President Trump emphasized putting Americans first across all sectors should be mirrored here by putting American athletes before globalized profits.