Every year, it seems the US Open adds an entry to the event’s history books, whether it's record prize money, a new longest or latest match played or fan attendance. This year, even before the first ball is struck in the 2025 US Open main draw, yet another milestone will be recorded.
For the first time in the Open Era, America's Grand Slam will begin on a Sunday, expanding the main draw to 15 days as opposed to the usual 14. The move makes the US Open the third major to adopt the 15-day format, with the Australian Open and Roland Garros already operating accordingly.
With this momentous occasion comes a tremendous amount of star power on display for opening day. American favorite Ben Shelton kicks off the day session in Arthur Ashe Stadium against a qualifier, showcasing the signature high-octane game that led him to the title at Toronto last month. Following Shelton on the main show court is defending champion and top seed Aryna Sabalenka versus Rebeka Masarova in their second career meeting (Sabalenka leads 1-0). Under the bright lights of the night session, four-time champion Novak Djokovic will take on 19-year-old American Learner Tien of California in a battle of youth versus experience.
In Louis Armstrong Stadium, 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu opens her campaign in Flushing against a qualifier, followed by an all-American bout between No. 4 seed Taylor Fritz and Emilio Nava. At night, 2021 champion Daniil Medvedev, who finds himself in the draw as the No. 13 seed, will take on Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi. Sunday’s contest will be the third meeting between the two men, with both previous contests occurring at a major, and Bonzi owning both wins.
Other top-billed names slated for Sunday’s opening day include No. 4 Jessica Pegula on the night session in Ashe, No. 7 Jasmine Paolini under the lights in Armstrong, and No. 10 Emma Navarro in the Grandstand Sunday afternoon.
One year ago, the 2024 US Open set a record by hosting more than 832,000 fans during the main draw fortnight. By adding an extra day, the event hopes to allow at least an additional 70,000 fans through the gates this year.
Grab your tickets—Spectacular Awaits!
