WATCH: Mom tennis players make a splash at 2026 US Open

The U.S. Open, a prestigious tennis tournament, has expanded its duration to three weeks, causing concerns among players about the increasing length of tennis events. This change began last year when the singles main draw started on Sunday, followed by the mixed doubles on Tuesday and Wednesday. As a result, top players like Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz had to begin their title defenses on Monday, while top-seeded Alexander Zverev and 2023 champion Coco Gauff faced their matches on Tuesday.

Players have expressed worry about the overcrowded schedule, making it difficult to find sufficient breaks. Marta Kostyuk, the No. 11 seed, even suggested that the tournament should start on a Saturday to allow for more rest. However, others argue that an extra day off doesn't necessarily equate to more time to relax, as players still need to practice and prepare for the next matches.

The expansion to a three-week tournament, coupled with the free admission for fans, has led to larger crowds, commonly referred to as "fan week." USTA CEO Craig Tiley hopes that this growth will continue by introducing more diverse events during the tournament. However, players like Denis Shapovalov and Ben Shelton have expressed their dissatisfaction with the extended seasons, citing the lack of time for recovery and the increasing pressure on the players' performance.