What Time Is the Men's US Open Final on Sunday?

The men's US Open final on Sunday is scheduled to begin at 2:00 PM Eastern Time (ET), with on-court action typically commencing shortly after that slot. This timing applies to the Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows, New York, where the championship match takes place as the centerpiece of the tournament’s concluding day. For fans searching for what time is the mens us open final on sunday, this 2:00 PM ET start has become a longstanding tradition, allowing maximum television exposure during afternoon hours in the United States while accommodating international audiences across Europe and Asia. However, exact start times may vary slightly depending on the duration of preceding matches, weather delays, or scheduling adjustments by the USTA and ESPN, which broadcasts the event live.

Quick Overview: When Does the Men’s US Open Final Start?

The men’s singles final at the US Open is traditionally held on the second Sunday of September, marking the climax of two weeks of intense Grand Slam tennis. The match is set for 2:00 PM Eastern Time, though actual play often begins between 2:30 and 3:00 PM, following player introductions and pre-match ceremonies. Fans attending in person are encouraged to arrive by 12:30 PM to enjoy the grounds, concessions, and warm-up sessions. Those watching from home should tune in to ESPN or stream via the ESPN app (with authentication) starting at 2:00 PM ET for full coverage.

Why Is the Final Scheduled for 2:00 PM ET?

The 2:00 PM ET start time is carefully chosen to balance multiple factors:

Television ratings: Afternoon slots attract larger domestic audiences in the U.S., particularly on the East Coast.
Global viewership: A mid-afternoon start in New York translates to primetime viewing in Europe (6:00–9:00 PM CET) and early morning access in Australia and East Asia.
Court logistics: The US Open uses a day-night session system; scheduling the men’s final during the day avoids overlapping with the women’s doubles or junior finals that may occur in the evening.
Player preparation: A consistent schedule allows athletes to prepare their bodies for peak performance in daylight conditions.

This scheduling pattern has been maintained for over a decade, making it one of the most predictable elements of the tennis calendar—especially when considering variations like rain delays or semifinal overruns.

Typical Tournament Schedule on Final Sunday

Sunday at the US Open features a condensed but high-impact lineup. While the men’s singles final dominates the schedule, other events may also take place earlier in the day. Below is a representative breakdown:

Event	Start Time (ET)	Location	Broadcast
Men’s Doubles Final	12:00 PM	Arthur Ashe Stadium	ESPN+
Junior Boys’ Singles Final	10:00 AM	Grandstand	USTA YouTube
Wheelchair Men’s Singles Final	11:30 AM	Court 17	ESPN+ Livestream
Men’s Singles Final	2:00 PM	Arthur Ashe Stadium	ESPN / ESPN Deportes

Note that only the men’s singles final receives full national broadcast treatment. All other matches are streamed online or aired regionally. Attendees can view multiple matches throughout the grounds before converging on Ashe for the main event.

How Weather Can Affect Start Times

One major variable affecting the start time of the men’s US Open final is weather. Since the tournament occurs in early September, there remains a risk of thunderstorms, heavy rain, or humidity-related delays. If either semifinal extends into Saturday evening due to interruptions, the USTA may reschedule the final to Monday—a rare but precedent-setting scenario (e.g., 2013, when Nadal defeated Djokovic).

In case of rain on Sunday, the match will be delayed until conditions improve. Unlike Wimbledon, the US Open does not have a permanent roof over Arthur Ashe Stadium, although it features a retractable one installed in 2016. This allows play to continue during light to moderate rainfall, minimizing disruptions. Still, severe storms may force postponement.

Where to Watch the Men’s US Open Final

Fans around the world have several options to catch the match live:

In the United States

TV: ESPN provides exclusive live coverage starting at 2:00 PM ET.
Streaming: Access through the ESPN app, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, or FuboTV (requires subscription and login).
Radio: SiriusXM Tennis Channel (Channel 208) offers real-time commentary.

International Broadcast Partners

UK & Ireland: Sky Sports Tennis / NOW TV
Australia: Nine Network / Stan Sport
Canada: TSN / RDS (French)
India: Sony Sports Network
Germany: ARD / ZDF (rotating rights)
France: France Télévisions

Viewers should check local listings for exact air times based on time zone conversion. For example, 2:00 PM ET equals 7:00 PM BST in London and 3:00 AM AEST in Sydney.

Time Zone Conversion Guide

To help global fans plan accordingly, here are key time zone equivalents for the 2:00 PM ET start:

Time Zone	Local Start Time
Eastern Time (ET)	2:00 PM
Central Time (CT)	1:00 PM
Mountain Time (MT)	12:00 PM
Pacific Time (PT)	11:00 AM
British Summer Time (BST)	7:00 PM
Central European Time (CET)	8:00 PM
India Standard Time (IST)	11:30 PM
Japan Standard Time (JST)	3:00 AM (Monday)
Australian Eastern Time (AEST)	4:00 AM (Monday)

These conversions assume no delay in the official start. Viewers in Asia may need to wake up early or record the match for later viewing.

How to Stay Updated on Schedule Changes

Given the possibility of last-minute adjustments, fans should monitor official sources for updates:

USTA Official Website: www.usopen.org posts real-time schedules and alerts.
ESPN App: Push notifications inform users of broadcast changes.
US Open Mobile App: Available on iOS and Android, includes live scoring, court maps, and schedule tracking.
Social Media: Follow @USOpen on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook for immediate announcements.
On-site Information Boards: For attendees, digital displays across the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center show updated timings.

Step-by-Step: How to Confirm the Exact Start Time

Visit www.usopen.org one day before the final (Saturday).
Navigate to “Schedule” under the “Live” tab.
Check for any notes about potential delays or revised times.
Download the US Open app and enable notifications.
Verify your local TV provider’s broadcast schedule (e.g., ESPN listings).
If traveling to NYC, confirm public transit hours and parking availability.
Set reminders for both the scheduled start (2:00 PM ET) and estimated play time (2:30–3:00 PM).

Historical Context: Past Men’s Finals Start Times

The 2:00 PM ET Sunday start became standard in the early 2000s. Prior to that, finals were sometimes held in the evening. Notable exceptions include:

2019: Match began at 2:50 PM after lengthy women’s doubles final.
2013: Final postponed to Monday due to rain; started at 2:00 PM ET on Labor Day.
2008: Federer vs. Murray final began at exactly 2:00 PM despite cloudy skies.
2022: Alcaraz vs. Ruud started at 2:23 PM after pre-match tributes.

While the target remains 2:00 PM, flexibility ensures fairness and safety for players and spectators alike.

Practical Tips for Viewing the Final

Whether you're watching live or streaming from home, consider these tips:

Start early: Tune into ESPN’s pre-show at 1:00 PM ET for analysis, player interviews, and historical highlights.
Use multi-screen viewing: Pair live TV with the US Open app for point-by-point stats and alternate camera angles.
Plan refreshments: Matches can last over four hours—stock snacks and drinks ahead of time.
Invite friends: Host a viewing party with trivia or prediction games.
Follow live scores: Even if you can’t watch, use Google’s live scoreboard or Flashscore app to track points.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the men’s US Open final start on Sunday in 2025?

The men’s US Open final in 2025 is expected to start at 2:00 PM Eastern Time on Sunday, September 7, pending official confirmation closer to the event.

Is the men’s final always on Sunday?

Yes, the men’s singles final is traditionally held on the second Sunday of September. However, rain or scheduling conflicts may push it to Monday.

Can I watch the men’s US Open final for free?

Limited free streaming is available via the US Open website and ESPN’s YouTube channel during select windows. Full coverage requires a cable login or paid subscription service.

Why doesn’t the men’s final start at night like some other matches?

The daytime slot maximizes U.S. television viewership and aligns with historical tradition. Night sessions are reserved for earlier rounds and women’s finals.

How long does the men’s US Open final usually last?

Most finals last between 2.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on the number of sets and tiebreaks. Five-set thrillers, such as the 2012 Djokovic-Del Potro match, can exceed four hours.