What Time Is the US Open On: Tournament Hours and Schedule Info

The US Open tennis tournament typically begins its daily matches at either 11:00 AM or 1:00 PM Eastern Time, depending on the session and day of play. If you're asking what time is the US Open on, the answer varies by round and court, but morning sessions usually start at 11:00 AM ET, while evening sessions begin at 7:00 PM ET. These consistent scheduling patterns help fans plan their attendance or viewing, especially during peak days like the semifinals and finals. For those planning to attend in person or stream live matches, knowing what time the US Open starts each day is essential for maximizing your experience.

Quick Overview: When Does the US Open Start Each Day?

The US Open operates on a structured daily schedule throughout its two-week run, generally held from late August to early September each year. The tournament features three main playing sessions per day:

• Day Session: Starts at 11:00 AM Eastern Time
• Evening Session: Begins at 7:00 PM Eastern Time
• Outer Court Play: Often starts earlier, around 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM

These times are consistent across most days of the tournament, though opening day and final weekend may have adjusted start times. Grand Slam events like the US Open follow predictable timing frameworks to accommodate broadcast partnerships, player rest, and fan access. However, weather delays, extended matches, or special ceremonies can cause slight deviations from the published schedule.

Typical Tournament Policy and Scheduling Patterns

The US Open, hosted annually at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York, follows a well-established operational rhythm. Unlike retail stores or service-based businesses that adjust hours based on holidays, the US Open is an event with a fixed annual calendar. It does not operate on a “holiday” model but rather on a competitive sporting timeline governed by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and international tennis federations.

Each edition of the tournament runs for 14 consecutive days, beginning on the last Monday of August. This means the exact dates shift slightly each year, but the structure remains unchanged. The tournament includes qualifying rounds before the main draw, which officially kicks off on that first Monday.

Session times are designed to maximize television exposure and spectator engagement. Day sessions often feature high-profile matchups involving American players or top seeds, while evening sessions spotlight marquee stars under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium. This dual-session format allows for broader audience reach across different time zones.

Why Session Times May Vary by Day

While the standard start times are 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM ET, certain days see adjustments:

• Opening Day: Ceremonies may delay the first match until around noon.
• Federer Night or Special Events: Tribute nights or anniversary celebrations might alter the usual 7:00 PM start.
• Finals Weekend: Men’s and women’s singles finals are scheduled separately—women typically play Saturday afternoon, men Sunday afternoon—starting around 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM ET.
• Rain Delays: Inclement weather can push matches into later slots or extend play into night sessions.

Additionally, outer courts often open earlier than center court, allowing fans to enjoy more grassroots-level action throughout the day. Players seeded lower may compete on these courts during morning hours, giving attendees a chance to see rising talent up close.

Factors That Influence Daily Start Times

Several key factors determine when the US Open begins play each day:

Broadcast Agreements and Media Rights

The US Open has long-term contracts with major networks such as ESPN and CBS in the United States, as well as global partners like BBC, Nine Network, and others. These agreements require specific windowing for prime-time coverage, particularly for American audiences. As a result, evening sessions are locked into a 7:00 PM ET start to align with East Coast primetime and West Coast evening viewing.

Court Assignments and Player Rankings

Higher-ranked players and headline acts are typically scheduled for Arthur Ashe or Louis Armstrong Stadiums, where lighting and capacity support large audiences. Lower-tier matches may begin earlier on smaller courts. Fans should check the official order of play each morning to confirm exact start times for specific matches.

Weather and Environmental Conditions

New York City weather in late summer can be unpredictable. Heat advisories, thunderstorms, or humidity levels may prompt rescheduling. The USTA employs a detailed contingency plan, including roof closures on Arthur Ashe Stadium and flexible session shifts, to maintain safety and fairness.

Tournament Phase: Early Rounds vs. Knockout Stages

In the early rounds, multiple matches occur simultaneously across 17 courts. Start times are staggered to prevent overlap and ensure smooth transitions. By contrast, the second week consolidates play onto fewer courts, with tighter scheduling and higher stakes. Semifinals and finals have precise ceremonial lead-ins, affecting actual first-serve times.

Date Type	Typical Start Time (ET)	Notes
Regular Day Session	11:00 AM	Main stadium play begins; outer courts may start earlier
Evening Session	7:00 PM	Prime-time televised matches under lights
Women’s Singles Final	4:00 PM (Sat)	Scheduled on Saturday of final weekend
Men’s Singles Final	4:00 PM (Sun)	Held Sunday afternoon after women’s final
Qualifying Rounds	10:00 AM	Occurs 3–4 days before main draw begins

Planning Your Visit or Viewing Experience

Whether attending in person or watching from home, understanding what time the US Open starts on any given day helps optimize your experience. Here are practical tips for planning ahead:

Arrive Early for In-Person Attendance

Gates at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center typically open at 9:30 AM for day sessions and 5:30 PM for evening sessions. Arriving early allows time for security checks, concessions, merchandise shopping, and securing good seating or standing room near outer courts.

Check the Daily Order of Play

The official match schedule is released each night for the following day. You can find it on the US Open website, via the US Open app, or posted at venue information booths. This list includes confirmed start times, court assignments, and player pairings.

Use Technology to Stay Updated

Download the official US Open mobile app (available on iOS and Android) to receive real-time notifications about match start times, delays, and gate openings. The app also provides live scoring, replays, and interactive court maps.

Watch Live Streams if You Can’t Attend

If you're unable to go to New York, streaming services offer comprehensive coverage. Subscribers to ESPN+ or cable providers with ESPN access can watch every match live. International viewers should consult local broadcasters for regional availability.

Have Backup Plans for Weather Disruptions

Rainouts are common in late August. If outdoor play is suspended, matches may be moved indoors (limited), rescheduled, or played the next day. Always keep flexibility in your plans, especially during the first week.

How to Confirm Exact Start Times Each Day

To ensure accuracy, follow this five-step checklist:

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to usopen.org the night before or morning of play.
2. Navigate to 'Schedule' Section: Look for “Daily Order of Play” under the “Tournament” menu.
3. Review Court-Specific Timings: Note whether your preferred match is on Ashe, Armstrong, or an outer court.
4. Enable App Notifications: Turn on alerts in the US Open app for last-minute changes.
5. Call Guest Services: For urgent questions, contact [phone] for assistance.

Remember, while general patterns hold true, individual match times can change due to prior match length, injuries, or broadcast needs. Policies and schedules are updated annually, so relying on past years’ data without verification can lead to missed action.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the US Open start on opening day?

On opening day, the first match usually begins around 11:00 AM Eastern Time, though ceremonial introductions may delay play slightly. Outer courts often open earlier, around 10:00 AM.

What time is the US Open final on Sunday?

The men’s singles final is traditionally scheduled for Sunday afternoon, starting at approximately 4:00 PM Eastern Time. Broadcasts typically begin 30 minutes prior.

Do all matches start exactly at 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM?

No. While sessions begin at those times, individual match start times depend on court assignment, player readiness, and completion of prior matches. Expect some variability, especially on busy days.

Can I watch early-round matches live online?

Yes. All matches are streamed live on ESPN+ and the US Open app for authenticated subscribers. Some outer-court play may not air on main TV channels but remains available digitally.

Are session times different for Labor Day weekend?

Labor Day falls during the second week of the US Open. Play continues as scheduled, with both day (11:00 AM) and evening (7:00 PM) sessions running through the holiday Monday, culminating in the men’s final on Sunday.