Fans Call For Men's US Open Final To Be Moved, Avoding Clash With NFL Opening Matches
ATP
The 2023 US Open is scheduled to clash with one of the biggest events on the US sporting calendar, the opening round of NFL games.
How much of an impact could this have on tennis viewership? For general sports fans, Sunday, September 10, is expected to provide eye-catching viewing. The US Open 2023 men's final will take place, and with some of the main favourites like Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, and home crowd favourites Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton still in the competition, it is set for an exciting conclusion.
However, there are concerns about the timing of one of the biggest matches of the tennis season. Throughout Sunday, September 10, 13 NFL matches will also take place, with five fixtures likely to overlap with the men's final at Flushing Meadows.
As one of the most popular sports in the United States, the NFL opening fixture list is likely to take priority for many American-based fans. Moreover, global viewers will also be eager to tune in to watch the curtain raisers across the NFL on Sunday, which could impact viewing figures for the US Open.
However, some factors could lead to an upswing in views for the fourth major of the season. For instance, if a US home talent, like Tiafoe or Shelton, can make it to the US Open final, then American fans might be more inclined to switch over and watch the tennis.
Moreover, some spectators have discussed the prospect of moving the men's final at Flushing Meadows to Saturday, September 9 instead of Sunday to avoid a clash with the NFL. At such short notice, such a move is incredibly unlikely to happen.
Also, event organisers will not want to upset the prestige and history of the Grand Slam as the men's draw always concludes on Sunday. This decision would also impact the women's final, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday 9.
