The US Open, officially named the United States Open Tennis Championships is the biggest event in professional tennis. Since 1987, the US Open has been the fourth and final tennis major comprising the Grand Slam. The other three major events are the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon. The US Open is held annually in August and September over a two-week period (the weeks before and after Labour Day weekend). It is held at the USTA (United States Tennis Association) National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, Queens.
The U.S. Open’s origins date back to 1881 when it was known as the U.S. National Singles Championship. Back then, it was a men’s only tournament that was held in Rhode Island. Since then, the event has grown to include both men and women, with over 600 participants and over $7 million in prizes. The US Open is tennis’ grandest stage, where hundreds of players come to compete and hundreds of thousands of fans come to watch the closing act of the Grand Slam season. The event is broadcasted by various American and International broadcasters.
With more than 700,000 fans visiting the event each year, the US Open is the highest-attended annual sporting event in the world. The event consists of many different championships. The main tournament consists of five different event championships: men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles, and mixed doubles, with additional tournaments for senior, junior, and wheelchair players.
Tennis matches take place during the day at 11AM and night at 7PM. Several venues within the tennis grounds of the USTA National Tennis center are used during the US Open. These venues include:
- Arthur Ashe Stadium
- Louis Armstrong Stadium
- The Grandstand
- Various Field courts
US Open tickets go on sale for the general public in early June, but there are usually early tickets available for American Express Card members. The Grounds Pass tickets are a relatively cheap way to see a lot of tennis. Grounds Admission is only available for the first eight days of the tournament, with access to matches held in the field courts, Grandstand, and portions of the Louis Armstrong Stadium.
When you come to the US Open, you’ve arrived at a sports and entertainment spectacular unlike any other in the world. For two weeks, the US Open showcases world-class athletes, electrifying action and riveting storyline on the tennis world’s biggest stage.
The best way to get to the US Open is by public transportation. Driving is not recommended due to parking restrictions and congestions resulting from the US Open and the fact that Shea Stadium and the Mets were right next door.
Serena Williams battles Caroline Wozniacki in the women’s singles final on Day 14 of the 2014 US Open.
No. 5 Maria Sharapova prepares to serve in second round action in Arthur Ashe Stadium.
