The US Open's Arthur Ashe Stadium is getting an overhaul as part of an $800 million project

NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. Open's Arthur Ashe Stadium will get an overhaul as part of an $800 million project announced Monday that the U.S. Tennis Association is touting as the “largest single investment” in the history of its Grand Slam tournament.

The USTA said it is funding the improvements at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, with no help from the city government.

According to a class-action antitrust lawsuit filed in federal court in New York in March by a players' group co-founded by Novak Djokovic, the four major tennis tournaments — the U.S. Open, Wimbledon, French Open and Australian Open — “generated over $1.5 billion collectively in 2024, while only paying between (10% to 20%) of revenue to players.”

Separately, in April, Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff were among 20 leading tennis players who signed a letter sent to the heads of the Grand Slam tournaments seeking more prize money and a greater say in what they called “decisions that directly impact us.”

The USTA said there will not be interruption to scheduled play or fan access for the next two editions of the U.S. Open. Play in the main draw this year begins on Aug. 24 — shifting to a Sunday start for the first time in the Open era, which began in 1968, and adding a 15th day of competition.

The USTA's work, which is expected to be done in time for the 2027 U.S. Open, includes constructing a $250 million player performance center.

The new player area will be next to the practice courts and include additional courts, locker rooms, lounges and an open-air warmup area so players be acclimated to the conditions before they go to the court for their matches.

USTA executives did not say if ticket prices would increase as a result of the project.

Ashe's courtside-level seating capacity will increase from 3,000 to 5,000, while some seats in other sections will be removed, leaving the arena's total similar to what it is now — around 23,000 to 24,000, the biggest in Grand Slam tennis. The stadium, which first opened in 1997 and has had a retractable roof since 2016, also will get a new “grand entrance,” two new luxury suite levels, more club and restaurant areas, larger and updated concourses and restrooms, and more escalators and elevators.

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Lew Sherr, CEO and Executive Director of USTA speaks at a news conference announcing the redevelopment of Arthur Ashe Stadium and the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Monday, May 19, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah)

Danny Zausner, Chief Operating Officer of USTA speaks at a news conference announcing the redevelopment of Arthur Ashe Stadium and the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Monday, May 19, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah)

Danny Zausner, Chief Operating Officer of USTA speaks at a news conference announcing the redevelopment of Arthur Ashe Stadium and the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Monday, May 19, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah)

From left to right, Stacey Allaster, chief executive professional tennis USTA and US Open Tournament director, Kim Clijsters and John McEnroe speak at a news conference announcing the redevelopment of Arthur Ashe Stadium and the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Monday, May 19, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah)

Brian Vahaly, Chairman of the Board and President of USTA speaks at a news conference announcing the redevelopment of Arthur Ashe Stadium and the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Monday, May 19, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah)

FILE - Court workers dry the playing surface at Arthur Ashe Stadium after a sudden downpour with the retractable roof open caused play to be delayed between Petra Kvitova, of the Czech Republic, and Jessica Pegula, of the United States, during the fourth round of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Monday, Sept. 5, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson, file)

FILE- Fans enter Arthur Ashe Stadium during the second round of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, file)

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings placed left tackle Christian Darrisaw on injured reserve on Friday, ending his season early to reset his uneven recovery from reconstructive knee surgery.

With the Vikings (6-8) eliminated from contention for the playoffs, the collaborative decision was made by the medical staff, the coaching staff and Darrisaw to shut the fifth-year player down, according to coach Kevin O'Connell.

“We thought this was the best decision for Christian in the short term, but at the same time, I think a lot of this can be a projection on a really positive outlook for 2026,” O'Connell said.

Darrisaw, the team's first-round draft pick in 2021, signed a contract extension through 2029 valued at $104 million with $77 million in guaranteed money prior to the 2024 season when he had two years remaining on his rookie deal. Darrisaw tore the ACL and MCL in his left knee in a Week 8 game last season, and he progressed well enough through the rehabilitation program to join the team for training camp and avoid the physically unable to perform list.

After being held out of the first two games, Darrisaw returned to the lineup, but he didn't finish five of the 10 games he started. He removed himself twice with discomfort and three times was pulled early by the team to manage his workload, and he had at least one day off from practice each week for additional rest for his knee.

O'Connell said there has been no new injury or setback with Darrisaw's existing recovery, only the challenge of him continuing to manage the normally difficult first year back from surgery. Darrisaw was inactive for two of the last three games.

“We’re just trying to defer to the medical staff and, most importantly, making sure Christian’s in a good place and everything," O'Connell said. "It has been just a really unique year for him and one that I think he’ll be able to really grow from.”

Darrisaw was the third starter shut down early this week by the Vikings, joining edge rusher Jonathan Greenard and safety Josh Metellus. Greenard and Metellus each need shoulder surgery.

The Vikings also ruled defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (thigh) out of their game on Sunday against the New York Giants. Right tackle Brian O'Neill (heel) was listed as questionable.

Justin Skule will start in Darrisaw's place. Blake Brandel, who has played left tackle, left guard and center this season, would fill in for O'Neill at right tackle if he can't play.

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FILE - Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw (71) guards during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Nov. 23, 2025, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Melissa Tamez, File)