For much of the year, Flushing Meadows is a quiet place. But for two weeks late in August, the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center transforms into the hub of the tennis world for the US Open. The tournament was first played in August 1881 on grass courts at Newport Casino in Newport, Rhode Island, and is one of the oldest of all Grand Slam championships.
On day eight of the US Open, former men’s champion Carlos Alcaraz takes on Novak Djokovic in what will be their first meeting at a Grand Slam since they battled for the 2024 Olympics gold medal in doubles. Elsewhere, top seed Aryna Sabalenka will face an unseeded player in Cristina Bucsa while Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina is up against Marketa Vondrousova.
The US Open is also a great opportunity for up-and-coming stars to make their mark. Among them are Victoria Mboko, who delighted her home country with a win at the Canadian Open, and rising American Taylor Fritz.
Fans can watch the action live at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Louis Armstrong Stadium and other venues around the grounds with grounds passes that include access to all outdoor matches. The tournament’s broadcast partners offer traditional television coverage, while streaming options are available on the official site and various individual court streams.
Food options include traditional hot dogs and hamburgers as well as vegan and vegetarian offerings. Those who plan to attend the full tournament are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles to fill up at the numerous drinking fountains throughout the grounds. Glass bottles and cans are not allowed inside the stadiums, although reusable metal or plastic water bottles are permitted in Arthur Ashe’s Club Level and in the Food Village.