The US Open, renowned as much for its electrifying atmosphere as for its world-class tennis, is once again under the spotlight, but not entirely for celebratory reasons. Players are voicing concerns over unruly crowds and the less-than-pleasant sensory experiences of New York City. The 2025 edition of the tournament, which commenced on a Sunday for the first time, has ignited a debate about scheduling and its impact on player welfare.
One of the most discussed incidents involved Daniil Medvedev, the 2021 US Open champion, during his first-round match against Benjamin Bonzi. A photographer's untimely entrance onto the court caused a delay, leading to a heated exchange between Medvedev and the chair umpire. The umpire's decision to replay a point sparked a meltdown from Medvedev, who berated the official and incited the crowd. The crowd responded with boos and jeers, creating a chaotic environment that lasted for several minutes. Bonzi himself felt the hostility, stating that he felt he did nothing wrong to receive such treatment and that it was difficult to play tennis without hearing the sound of the ball.
This incident has reignited the discussion about the US Open's crowd behavior. While some players, like Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton, thrive in the noisy and energetic environment, others find it overwhelming. Shelton stated he finds peace in the chaos, feeling more uncomfortable at quiet tournaments. Emma Navarro described the tournament as "casually rowdy". However, the fine line between excitement and boorishness is often crossed, with the crowd sometimes undermining the sport by heckling opponents and reveling in meltdowns.
Adding to the on-court drama, some players have commented on the distractions beyond the tennis center. Retired player Agnieszka Radwanska mentioned that the loud noises, food smells, and traffic drain their energy during the match. Casper Ruud, a 2022 US Open runner-up, expressed his dislike for the pervasive smell of marijuana in New York City.
Beyond the sensory overload, the decision to start the US Open on a Sunday has drawn criticism. Jordan Thompson said he hates the Sunday start and that tournaments don't start on Sunday, they finish on Sunday. Jessica Pegula echoed this sentiment, stating that she is not really a fan of it. She understands the reasoning is related to extra ticket sales, but added that players often voice their complaints to organizers, but they don't listen to anything they say. This change, while adding an extra day for ticket sales and potentially boosting ratings, disrupts the players' schedules, especially those competing in tournaments the week before. The US Open started on a Sunday for the first time this year.
Despite these challenges, the US Open remains a major attraction, drawing huge crowds and offering record prize money. The total player compensation for the 2025 US Open is $90 million, with the singles champions each taking home $5 million. The NYPD is deploying a specific U.S. Open detail to keep every participant, spectator, and staff member safe.
The US Open's unique blend of high-stakes tennis and a vibrant, sometimes chaotic, atmosphere continues to divide opinions. While some embrace the energy and excitement, others find the distractions and scheduling changes detrimental to their performance and overall experience. As the tournament progresses, it remains to be seen how these concerns will be addressed and whether the US Open can strike a better balance between spectacle and player well-being.
