Everything felt a little bigger under the lights at Flushing Meadows. Still, the drama hit a whole new level when Amanda Anisimova and Naomi Osaka walked out for their U.S. Open semifinal. It wasn’t just about who would punch a ticket to the final.
With a crowd restless from waiting, empty seats stood out, and fans had plenty to say about a few empty seats in the stands for one of the tournament’s biggest matches. Why was the showdown pushed so late, and how did everyone react once it finally began?
Why Did Fans Blast U.S. Open Officials for Amanda Anisimova vs. Naomi Osaka’s Delayed Start?
Anisimova powered past Osaka in a thrilling semifinal at the 2025 U.S. Open, rallying from a set down to win 6-7 (4), 7-6 (3), 6-3. The marathon match, which spanned nearly three hours, had Arthur Ashe Stadium buzzing– even as the clock crept toward 1 a.m. local time.
Despite the entertainment on court, many in the stands weren’t pleased with the scheduling. Fans stuck around well after midnight, but frustration boiled over as the match wrapped up deep into the night.
As the clock pushed toward midnight, a fan called out the stadium’s empty spots, suggesting that organizers had “REALLY messed up.”
“When I see all those empty seats for the women’s semi final at the US Open as the clock moves toward midnight, I know for sure that the schedule organizers have REALLY messed up!” the comment said.
When I see all those empty seats for the women’s semi final at the US Open as the clock moves toward midnight, I know for sure that the schedule organizers have REALLY messed up!#usopendisgrace
— Stephen Fuchs (@Rabbifuchs6) September 5, 2025
Another fan said playing a Grand Slam semifinal after midnight was “pure insanity” and not good for the sport in any way.
“Semi Final of a Grand Slam playing after Midnight is pure insanity & just isn’t good all around,” he wrote.
Semi Final of a Grand Slam playing after Midnight is pure insanity & just isn’t good all around #USOpen2025 #USOpen
— John Horn (@SportsHorn) September 5, 2025
Meanwhile, some fans seemed in awe that so many stayed. One wrote, “this US open crowd has a lot more patience than I would at almost midnight.”
this US open crowd has a lot more patience than I would at almost midnight
— sarah (@slothanova) September 5, 2025
Some also compared the situation to earlier rounds. A fan pointed out both the Anisimova-Osaka showdown and Jannik Sinner’s match, calling out the empty seats and saying, “Nobody wants to stay up past midnight to watch. Start the matches earlier!!”
US Open needs to start these matches earlier. All these empty seats are embarrassing. Same thing happened with Sinner last night. Nobody wants to stay up past midnight to watch. Start the matches earlier!!
— Rupert Thompson (@ionastraits) September 5, 2025
This late-night situation wasn’t a first for U.S. Open organizers. Last year, an Alexander Zverev match finished at 2:35 a.m., while Aryna Sabalenka played a delayed contest that pushed past 1:48 a.m.
All the complaints made one thing clear: fans are fed up with the late semifinal starts. The big question is whether the outrage finally leads to real change for future matches.
What Did Amanda Anisimova Say After Beating Naomi Osaka?
Anisimova, who handled the pressure and the clock, called reaching the U.S. Open final a “dream come true.” Speaking to the crowd, the 24-year-old said:
“Oh my God. It means the world. I’m trying to process that right now. It’s absolutely a dream come true. This has been a dream of mine like forever to be in the U.S. Open final and the hope is to be the champion.”
Looking ahead, Anisimova now faces the defending champion, Aryna Sabalenka. Their upcoming battle will mark Sabalenka’s 10th meeting with the American, who has a 6-3 head-to-head lead. Now, everyone waits to see if Anisimova can keep the run going in one of the biggest matches of her career.
“. Fans stuck around well after midnight, but frustration boiled over as the match wrapped up deep into the night.” LOL and your proof of the enraged fans: a Tweet with 200 views. And this is a news article. A fecal flinging monkey could literally do a better job.
The match did not have a midnight start. Not even close! Fake news.