US Open schedule to change in 2013
US Open organisers are to abolish their controversial schedule of playing the final two rounds of the men's singles on consecutive days.
This year will be the last time that the semi-finals are scheduled for the second Saturday with the final the following day.
The US Open is the only tournament to employ such a schedule - it was largely introduced to satisfy TV companies - and it has attracted regular criticism.
It has proved even more unpopular in recent years when weather has badly affected the tournament - a Monday men's final has resulted in each of the last four seasons.
A rest day will be introduced between the semis and the final, although it has yet to be decided whether that will mean a Friday-Sunday scenario or a Saturday-Monday one. The latter option would mean the tournament is extended to 15 days from its current 14.
Meanwhile, talk of a roof has resurfaced at Flushing Meadows - the lack of one has been an area of constant criticism due to those recent years of bad weather.
Plans to revamp the New York venue were announced back in June when a new roof was notable by its absence.
The 23,000-capacity Arthur Ashe Stadium - Flushing Meadows' main court - cannot support the weight of a roof at present, although organisers said on Sunday it was hoped that new lightweight materials would emerge in the future.
"I cannot tell you when that will be," said the USTA's chief operating officer Gordon Smith. "I can't tell you what it will cost, though it will clearly be over nine figures (at least US$100million).
"When the roof design becomes feasible, it will be put into the plan."
A new second court was part of the plans announced in June and Smith added a roof for that could also be considered.
Both Wimbledon and the Australian Open already have courts with retractable rooves, meaning play can continue in bad weather.
The French Open has announced plans to add one at Roland Garros by 2017, leaving the US Open lagging behind.