The Impossible Puzzle of US Open Scheduling

At the heart of the US Open’s chaotic scheduling machine sits Eric Butorac, the tournament director responsible for balancing an endless stream of player requests, broadcaster requirements, and court logistics. It’s a job that demands constant triage, quick pivots, and a thick skin — but Butorac says he wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Every year, the scheduling process begins long before the first ball is struck. Players submit preferences for start times, surface changes, and rest days. Broadcast partners demand optimal windows for prime-time coverage in key markets. Venue managers juggle multiple courts, weather delays, and streaming platforms. And somewhere in the middle, Butorac tries to keep everyone from walking away unhappy.

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