NEW YORK - The U.S. Open will expand its main draw to 15 days, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) said on Wednesday, kicking off a day earlier than the usual Monday opener for the tournament's first weekend start in the Open Era.

The U.S. Open is expanding to 15 days this year, shifting to a Sunday start for the first time in the Open era that began in 1968. Fans who subscribed for ticket information from the USTA were informed of the change for the season’s last Grand Slam tennis tournament — and its new dates of Aug.

The US Open is expanding to 15 days this year, shifting to a Sunday start for the first time in the Open era that began in 1968.