At this year's U.S. Open, renowned for its thrilling encounters, the sport has faced heightened scrutiny due to a series of surprising outcomes and grueling match conditions. The tournament has seen both the reigning male champions exit earlier than expected, alongside record-setting match durations and the latest finish times for both men's and women's matches, prompting a reevaluation of the strenuous competition schedule.

Olympic gold medalist Novak Djokovic expressed his sense of fatigue after his title defense ended prematurely, having played in three grueling late-night matches at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Similarly, world number three Carlos Alcaraz cited both physical and mental exhaustion as key factors in his early exit, following a strenuous season that included significant victories and a rigorous Olympic schedule.

The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) has highlighted the necessity for reevaluating the busy tournament timetable, as many players are reporting severe exhaustion. PTPA's deputy executive director, Romain Rosenberg, noted that athletes have voiced concerns over the physical and mental challenges of an extended season, exacerbated by their participation in the Olympics which, despite offering no ranking points, adversely affected their energy levels.

The ATP, responsible for the men’s tour, did not respond to comments regarding the stated concerns, while the WTA Tour has broadened its requirements for women to engage in additional high-level competitions. However, it maintains that the incidence of injuries has not escalated compared to the previous year.

Carlos Alcaraz, reflecting on his performance, acknowledged his need for a longer recovery after the Olympic Games, revealing that his brief hiatus was insufficient. Djokovic concurred, attributing his performance dip to draining energies spent during the Olympics, arriving at the U.S. Open not feeling at his best.

PTPA's medical director, Robby Sikka, pointed to late-night matches as a contributing factor to player injuries, citing statistics that show a marked increase in the likelihood of injuries during night games. The uptick in late-starting Grand Slam matches has shifted from 6.6 percent in 2018 to over 11 percent last year.

Despite the enchanting atmosphere late-night matches provide, which Tournament Director Stacey Allaster claims is unparalleled in sports, the U.S. Open organizers are tasked with balancing player welfare and audience enjoyment. They are continuously assessing scheduling protocols, particularly in light of the backlash from players past and present regarding particularly extended match times.

Three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray has openly criticized the current scheduling, labeling it amateurish and urging the majors to address the late-night match dilemma.