US OPEN SCHEDULING PUTS WOMEN PLAYERS IN LATE NIGHT SLOTS

The US Open will schedule women's matches as the second fixture in night sessions on the tournament's opening two days, according to published reports. Venus Williams, a two-time Grand Slam champion, will play Sofia Kenin after Novak Djokovic and Ben Shelton's opening-round matches at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Day 1. Naomi Osaka, also a two-time champion, faces Anastasia Zakharova in the same position on Day 2. A tennis commentator stated on social media that the scheduling decision reflects the influence of Craig Tiley, the new chief of the United States Tennis Association.

The scheduling arrangement means women's matches could begin late in the evening if the preceding men's matches extend to five sets. Djokovic and Shelton are scheduled to start at 7 pm, potentially pushing subsequent matches towards midnight or later. Both Williams and Osaka possess significant drawing power for spectators, though late scheduling may deter casual fans and families with children who need to arrange travel home. The decision mirrors patterns observed at the Australian Open during Tiley's tenure there, where marquee women's matches have been scheduled in secondary night session slots.

Scheduling controversies at Grand Slam tournaments have intensified under Tiley's leadership. At the Australian Open in 2024, Daniil Medvedev finished a match at 3:40 am, whilst a 2023 match between Andy Murray and Thanasi Kokkinakis concluded after 4 am. Tiley previously scheduled defending champion Aryna Sabalenka as the second match on Rod Laver Arena during the 2024 Australian Open. The pattern of late-night women's matches continues to generate discussion among tennis professionals and commentators regarding scheduling equity at major tournaments.