The most important thing to know about US Open scheduling is that a listed start time is not a promise of when a particular match will begin. Earlier matches can run long, weather can interrupt play, and a night session may not finish until well after midnight. If you are planning a trip—or just hoping to catch a favorite player on TV—understanding how the schedule works makes the fortnight much easier to follow.
How the US Open schedule is organized
The tournament takes place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, New York. Before the main draw, qualifying matches are played during the preceding week. In recent editions, the main draw has used a 15-day format, beginning on a Sunday; dates and details can change from year to year, so check the official tournament schedule for the edition you plan to follow.
The main draw progresses through the familiar Grand Slam rounds: first round, second round, third round, fourth round, quarterfinals, semifinals and finals. The women’s singles final is traditionally held on Saturday, with the men’s singles final on Sunday. Doubles, mixed doubles, junior and wheelchair events are fitted around the singles program, and their final dates can vary.
The opening rounds are busy because many players remain in the draw. Matches are spread across several courts, including Arthur Ashe Stadium, Louis Armstrong Stadium and the outer courts. As the field narrows, the schedule concentrates more heavily on the show courts, where the biggest matches and larger crowds are accommodated.
Day sessions, night sessions and typical start times
On major stadium courts, the day program commonly begins around 11 a.m. Eastern Time. An evening session typically starts in the early evening, often around 6 or 7 p.m. Exact times depend on the day and court, and the order of play may list a match as “not before” a certain time rather than give it a fixed start.
| Schedule feature | What it usually means | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Day session | Several matches may be scheduled from late morning onward. | A later match cannot begin until the match ahead of it is finished. |
| Evening session | Headline matches are often placed on the main stadium courts. | Start times and finish times are unpredictable; a long opener can push back the next match. |
| Outer courts | Singles and doubles matches may be scheduled throughout the day. | These courts can offer close-up viewing, but the match lineup may change with conditions. |
| Finals weekend | Singles finals headline the closing days of the tournament. | Other finals and ceremonies may affect the surrounding schedule. |
A night ticket does not necessarily mean you will see a match start at the advertised session time and finish at a predictable hour. A three-set match can be over quickly; a tight five-set men’s match can run for hours. If two matches are scheduled in a session, the second one depends on the first. At the US Open, late finishes are part of the event’s character, but they can be demanding for players and spectators alike.
Why the order of play can change
The tournament publishes a daily order of play, usually the evening before the matches. It identifies the court, the players and the approximate sequence. It is the best guide for planning, but it is not a minute-by-minute timetable. “After suitable rest” or “not before” means the match must wait for the stated condition or time, and could begin later.
Several factors shape the schedule:
- Match length: Tennis has no clock that ends a match at a set time. A long contest earlier in the day can delay everything scheduled behind it on that court.
- Weather: Rain, heat, wind and storms can interrupt play or lead officials to move matches. Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong have roofs, which help keep play going in some conditions, but a roof does not prevent every disruption across the grounds.
- Rest and fairness: Officials must consider how much time players have had to recover, especially when a match runs late or is carried over. A player’s next-round match may be affected by a delay.
- Broadcast and crowd demand: High-profile matchups are often placed on the main courts and in evening sessions. The tournament also has to balance marquee matches with the needs of players competing in doubles and other draws.
- Changing circumstances: Withdrawals, injuries and unfinished matches can require adjustments after the original schedule is posted.
These choices can be contentious. A player who finishes a long night match may have less recovery time than an opponent who played earlier. Fans sometimes question why a star is scheduled at night or why a match is placed on a particular court. There is no simple formula: organizers weigh player recovery, court availability, competition rules and the practical demands of running a major event.
How to plan around the schedule
If you are attending, build flexibility into your day. Choose a match you most want to see, but treat the rest of the schedule as a guide rather than a guarantee. Check the order of play the night before and again on the morning of your visit. Follow official tournament updates if weather is unsettled, and allow extra time to get around the grounds during busy sessions.
For a specific player, look at the court assignment and the matches scheduled ahead of theirs. If they are second or third on a court, the actual start could be substantially later than the first match’s start. A “not before” time gives a useful lower bound, not a reliable arrival time. If you have a stadium seat, review the ticket terms for that session; access and seating arrangements can vary by ticket type.
Watching from home calls for a similar approach. US Open matches are listed in Eastern Time, so viewers elsewhere should convert the start time to their own time zone. The broadcast may move between courts as matches finish, and a featured match can start late. Check the broadcaster’s live listings as well as the tournament order of play.
It also helps to think beyond singles. The outer courts often host doubles and other events, and can be a rewarding way to spend time between stadium matches. Early rounds generally offer the widest choice of matches and players; later rounds bring the biggest singles occasions, but fewer matches overall.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the US Open schedule come out?
The daily order of play is generally released the evening before the matches. The overall tournament dates are announced well in advance, but individual matchups, courts and session placements are confirmed as the event approaches.
What time do US Open matches start?
Day play commonly begins around 11 a.m. Eastern Time, while evening sessions often begin in the early evening. Times vary by court and day, and a match listed later in a session can be delayed by the matches before it.
Can a US Open match finish after midnight?
Yes. A long match, a late start or a weather interruption can push play past midnight. Check official updates if you are attending, and avoid making a tight travel connection based on an estimated finish time.
Are the US Open finals always on the same days?
The women’s singles final is traditionally scheduled for Saturday and the men’s singles final for Sunday. The full finals-weekend program can vary, so confirm the schedule for that year before making plans.
Final Thoughts
US Open scheduling combines a planned daily order with the unpredictability of live sport. Use the published times to understand the sequence, not to assume that every match will start on the dot. Check the order of play regularly, leave room for delays, and remember that the best match of the day may not be the one you expected when the schedule first appeared.
