US Open

The US Open is a major international tennis tournament held annually in Queens, New York City. Taking place over two weeks from late August into early September, it is the last of the four Grand Slam events and draws top players and fans from around the world.

• Held annually in Queens, New York City since 1978
• The only Grand Slam never cancelled since its start in 1881
• Features men's, women's, and mixed doubles, plus junior and wheelchair events
• Matches played on outdoor hardcourts under stadium lights
• Final Grand Slam of the tennis season

What it is

The US Open is one of the world’s premier tennis tournaments and marks the conclusion of the Grand Slam calendar each year. Hosted at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, New York, it features top athletes competing in men’s and women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, along with events for juniors, seniors, and wheelchair players. The tournament’s hardcourt surface and electric New York atmosphere make it a distinctive stop on the tennis circuit, with matches often stretching late into the night. For players and fans alike, the US Open is a celebration of skill, endurance, and the global spirit of tennis.

Where it comes from

The tournament began in 1881 as the U.S. National Championships, originally held on grass courts in Newport, Rhode Island. Initially, only men’s events were contested, with women’s singles introduced in 1887. Over the decades, the tournament moved locations several times, including a significant shift to the West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills, Queens, in 1915. The Open Era started in 1968 when professionals were first allowed to compete. Since 1978, the event has been held at its current site in Flushing Meadows, and it has the distinction of being the only Grand Slam never cancelled due to world wars or the COVID-19 pandemic.

How it is celebrated

During the US Open, the tennis center comes alive with fans from around the globe filling the stands to watch high-stakes matches on iconic courts like Arthur Ashe Stadium. The tournament is known for its fast-paced hardcourt play, dramatic tiebreaks, and matches that can stretch into the night under stadium lights. Spectators can enjoy a wide variety of food and drink, explore sponsor activations, and soak in the festive energy that spills out into the surrounding park. The event features not only the main draws for singles and doubles but also competitions for juniors, seniors, and wheelchair athletes, making it a showcase of tennis at every level.

Joining in

Visitors can experience the US Open by attending matches at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens. Tickets are available for day and night sessions, with grounds passes offering access to outer courts and the chance to see rising stars up close. Expect large crowds, a vibrant mix of international fans, and the buzz of New York in late summer. Whether you’re in the stands for a marquee match or exploring the grounds, the US Open offers an immersive and energetic introduction to world-class tennis.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article US Open (tennis), whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• US Open (tennis) on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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