The U.S. Open begins its 145th edition on Sunday, Aug. 24, opening a newly extended 15-day schedule at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York. For the first time the main draw starts on a Sunday, bringing the calendar into line with the sport’s other Grand Slams and allowing an additional day of play across 22 courts. Tournament organiser United States Tennis Association has lifted total prize money to a record $90 million, a 20 percent jump from 2024. Men’s and women’s singles champions will each earn $5 million, while doubles winners receive $1 million and every main-draw entrant is guaranteed at least $110,000. The new purse follows player pressure for higher compensation and eclipses the rewards on offer at Wimbledon and Roland-Garros. World No. 1s and defending champions Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka head the seedings. Novak Djokovic resumes his pursuit of a 25th major title against 19-year-old American Learner Tien on opening night, and former champion Carlos Alcaraz anchors the bottom half of the men’s draw. On the women’s side, Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula and Madison Keys lead a strong U.S. contingent hoping to reclaim the trophy. The mixed-doubles event was completed during fan week, with Italy’s Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori taking the inaugural $1 million winners’ cheque. Attendance is expected to surpass last year’s record 1.05 million spectators, aided by expanded seating and a slate of off-court attractions that include new food and beverage offerings priced as high as $39 per cocktail.