Kicking off the tournament on Sunday isn't suitable for all participants.

In a move that has sparked controversy among top tennis players, the US Open has decided to extend its tournament duration this year, hosting 15 days of singles competition instead of the usual 14. This change, which will see the tournament starting on a Sunday, follows in the footsteps of the French Open's decision from 2006 and the Australian Open's decision from 2024.

The extended duration has been met with disapproval from several high-profile players, including Jessica Pegula, the tournament finalist in 2024 and the number four seed in 2025. Pegula, one of the 20 players who signed a letter to Grand Slam organizers in March, accused the United States Tennis Association (USTA) of not listening to players' opinions regarding changes.

Pegula is not alone in her criticism. Jordan Thompson, previously ranked as high as 26 in singles and third in doubles, expressed dislike for starting a tournament on a Sunday. He, along with other players, has voiced concerns about the lack of communication between tennis officials and players regarding such changes.

Players are particularly against the change due to it making everything longer and harder, according to Pegula. This sentiment is shared by those competing in the ATP Masters 1000 tournaments, such as Montreal, where players are currently complaining about longer tournaments that span more than a week.

Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Novak Djokovic are among the top players who co-signed an open letter to the Grand Slam organizers in March, demanding better communication, improved athlete well-being, and a larger share of revenues. The letter called for substantial increases in prize money and transparency.

The USTA justifies the extended tournaments by citing increased prize money. This year, the US Open offers a record-breaking prize money of $85 million, including $5 million for each singles champion. However, some players question the need for such an extension, with Pegula suggesting that the reason might be to sell additional tickets.

Brendan McIntyre, USTA spokesperson, stated that the additional day at the US Open gives fans worldwide the opportunity to watch main draw matches on television over the weekend. He also mentioned that it allows more fans to see main draw matches in person.

Despite the USTA's justifications, many players, including Pegula and Thompson, remain unconvinced. They express concern about the lack of communication and the potential impact on player well-being, calling for a more collaborative approach in decision-making.

Corentin Moutet and Jessica Pegula are scheduled to play on the opening day of the US Open this year, marking the start of what promises to be an intriguing tournament amidst ongoing debates about tournament duration and player well-being.