With the Australian Open and French Open championships in the books, the best players from around the world turn their attention to Flushing Meadows for the US Open. While the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens is quiet most of the year, for two weeks late in summer it becomes a tennis mecca. Here’s what to know about this year’s tournament, from the schedule to free events and family activities.
The US Open is one of four Grand Slam tournaments played on hardcourts, and it has been held annually in New York City since 1881. This year, the US Open runs from Aug. 24 to Sept. 7. The tournament will feature men’s and women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, as well as wheelchair and para-athletic events.
On the men’s side, former champions Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic will play each other, while rising star Victoria Mboko plays against Barbora Krejcikova and Ben Shelton takes on Jannik Sinner. Also, American Taylor Fritz faces Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff in a match the New York crowd will be eager to rally behind.
The main draws are set to begin Sunday, with qualifying matches running through Aug. 22. Once the tournament’s quarterfinals start, most matches will air on ESPN, which will also broadcast the men’s and women’s finals.