Introduction to the US Open
Overview
The US Open is one of the 4 Grand Slams and the only one played on hard courts. Run by the USTA it’s one of the biggest tennis tournaments in the world. Part of the Grand Slam, the 4 majors: Wimbledon, Australian Open, French Open and US Open.
History
The US Open is the oldest tennis tournament in the world, dating back to 1881. Richard Sears won the first seven titles of the tournament, which was initially called the US National Singles Championships, highlighting his dominance in the early years. It’s been played in various locations including Newport, Rhode Island, and Forest Hills, New York. The US Open has undergone many changes over the years, including the tiebreaker and hard courts, and it is the only Grand Slam tournament that has been held every year since its inception, emphasizing its historical significance and continuity.
How the Grand Slam Tournament Works
The US Open is a knockout tournament, single elimination. The tournament has 5 main events: men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles, and mixed doubles. The only Grand Slam that has been played every year since its inception.
The Lawn Tennis Association
The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) is the governing body of tennis in the UK and works with the ITF to promote tennis and the Grand Slams. The LTA has a long history dating back to the 19th century and has been instrumental in the development of tennis in the UK and globally. They work with the USTA and other governing bodies to promote tennis and the sport.
Best US Open Tennis Picks
Men’s Singles
- Novak Djokovic: The Serbian Maestro
Born May 22, 1987, in Belgrade, Serbia, Novak Djokovic is one of the best ever. Known for his consistency and adaptability, he’s been World No. 1 for a record 428 weeks. He has 24 Grand Slam men’s singles titles, 10 Australian Open, a record 71 Big Titles, and held all 4 majors on 3 different surfaces. He’s the only player to have completed a Career Golden Masters twice, winning all 9 ATP Masters 1000 events. These achievements show his skill, endurance, and mental toughness in high-pressure situations.
Djokovic’s achievements are mind-boggling: 10 Australian Open titles, a record 71 Big Titles and a unique feat of holding all 4 majors on 3 different surfaces. He’s the only player to have completed a Career Golden Masters twice, winning all 9 ATP Masters 1000 events. These achievements not only highlight his skill and endurance but also his mental toughness in big matches.
- Rafael Nadal: The King of Clay
Born June 3, 1986 in Manacor, Spain. Rafael Nadal is the king of clay. He has a record with 14 French Open victories. He’s been World No. 1 for 209 weeks and ended 5 seasons at No. 1. He has 22 Grand Slam titles and is not only a clay-court specialist but a formidable player on all surfaces.
Nadal’s achievements are further highlighted by his Olympic gold medal and 92 ATP-level singles titles, including 36 Masters titles. His dominance on clay is further underscored by his 81-match win streak on the surface, the longest in the Open Era. Along with Djokovic and Roger Federer, he’s part of the “Big Three” who have dominated men’s tennis for over a decade and raised the level of competition and entertained the fans worldwide.
- Daniil Medvedev: The Rising Star
Born February 11, 1996 in Moscow, Russia. Daniil Medvedev is the new wave of tennis stars making their mark on the global stage. He’s risen to the top quickly and achieved a career-high World No. 1 ranking and 20 ATP Tour singles titles. His biggest achievement was at the 2021 US Open where he defeated Novak Djokovic to win his first Grand Slam title and deny Djokovic a calendar Grand Slam.
Medvedev’s game is characterized by his tactical intelligence and exceptional return game making him a tough opponent on any surface. He has 6 Masters titles, each at a different venue, joining an elite group of players who have achieved this feat. Medvedev’s ability to challenge and beat the top players including Djokovic and Nadal shows a new dynamic in men’s tennis where new talents are starting to challenge the established order.
Women’s Singles
- Ashleigh Barty: The Australian Ace
Born April 24, 1996 in Ipswich, Australia, Ashleigh Barty has had an impressive career on and off the court. Barty made history as the second Australian to be world No. 1 in women’s singles, holding the ranking for 121 weeks. She has three singles titles: the 2019 French Open, the 2021 Wimbledon Championships and the 2022 Australian Open. She’s also had success in doubles, winning the 2018 US Open with CoCo Vandeweghe. Over her career she won 15 singles and 12 doubles titles on the WTA Tour before retiring, making her one of the best of her generation.
Margaret Court, the most prolific singles champion in Grand Slam history with 24 titles, including notable victories in the Australian Open, is a legendary figure in women’s singles. She achieved the Grand Slam in 1970, cementing her status in tennis history.
- Naomi Osaka: The Japanese Star
Born October 16, 1997, in Osaka, Japan, Naomi Osaka has quickly become a force in women’s tennis. The first Asian player to hold the top spot in the WTA singles rankings, Osaka has set a new standard. Her impressive resume includes four Grand Slam singles titles—two Australian Open and two US Open. Her breakout moment was back-to-back majors at the 2018 US Open and the 2019 Australian Open, the first woman to do so since Serena Williams in 2015. She has seven WTA titles, two at the Premier Mandatory level, showing her dominance and versatility.
- Sofia Kenin: The American
Born November 14, 1998, in Moscow, Russia, and representing the USA, Sofia Kenin has made a big impact in women’s tennis. She reached a career-high of No. 4 in the world on March 9, 2020. Kenin’s highlights include winning the 2020 Australian Open and being the runner-up at the 2020 French Open, earning her WTA Player of the Year. Her aggressive play and resilience hhaveas given her five singles titles and four doubles titles on the WTA Tour. Notable wins include the 2019 China Open and the 2024 Miami Open, both with Bethanie Mattek-Sands, showing she can win in singles and doubles.
Doubles
- The Bryan brothers
Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan, born April 29, 1978, in Camarillo, California, are the greatest doubles team in tennis history. The identical twins, with Mike being two minutes older, redefined doubles with their incredible synchronization and skill. Their career is full of records and accolades:
- Grand Slam Success: The Bryans have more Grand Slam titles than any other men’s doubles team.
- World No. 1 Ranking: Together they held the World No. 1 doubles ranking for a record 438 weeks, with Mike individually holding the ranking for 506 weeks. They also held the ranking for 139 consecutive weeks.
- Year-End No. 1: They set a record ten times as the ATP year-end No. 1 doubles duo.
- Grand Slam Finals: Between 2005 and 2006 the Bryans played in 7 consecutive men’s doubles Grand Slam finals, an Open Era record.
The Bryans retired in November 2019, a bit earlier than planned due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the tennis season. But their legacy remains unmatched in doubles tennis.
- Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova
Barbora Krejčíková and Kateřina Siniaková were one of the most successful women’s doubles teams in tennis history, together from 2013 to 2023. Their partnership is marked by:
- Grand Slam and Major Titles: Krejčíková and Siniaková won 7 major doubles titles and 9 WTA titles.
- Career Super Slam: They completed the career Super Slam, winning all 4 Grand Slam titles and the Olympic gold medal together. This is a rare feat and shows their dominance and versatility.
- Olympic Gold and WTA Finals: Their Olympic gold and 2021 WTA Finals win added to their achievements, cementing their status as one of the greatest doubles teams in women’s tennis.
- Top Ranking: They were ranked No. 1 in doubles for 3 years, a testament to their consistency and dominance over their rivals.
Krejčíková and Siniaková ended their partnership in 2023 but their impact on women’s doubles tennis will be felt for generations to come.
FAQs
- What is the US Open schedule?
The US Open runs from August 26 to September 6, the last Monday of August to the first Sunday of September. The exact dates for each year can be found on the US Open website.
- How do I buy tickets for the US Open?
Tickets can be bought on the US Open website, USTA ticketing or authorized sellers like Ticketmaster. Always buy from official sources to ensure authenticity.
- What is the history of the US Open?
The US Open was established in 1881 as the US National Championships and became one of the 4 Grand Slam tournaments with the start of the Open Era in 1968. It is held annually at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York.
- Who are some past winners of the US Open?
Past winners include Serena Williams (6), Roger Federer (5), Rafael Nadal (4), Chris Evert and Novak Djokovic (multiple).
- How to watch the US Open
The US Open is broadcast on TV and online. Consider buying a subscription to the US Open streaming service for exclusive content. The US Open is also broadcast on French TV, with French clubs and French internationals often playing in the tournament.
- What is the Australian Open’s past?
The Australian Open began as the Australasian Championships in 1905, became the Australian Championships in 1927, and was renamed the Australian Open in 1969.
- What is Wimbledon’s main arena?
Wimbledon’s main arena is known as Centre Court. It is renowned for its central location within the club’s grounds and has undergone significant upgrades, including the installation of a retractable roof in 2009.
- What is the French Open?
The French Open, also known as Roland Garros, originated as the French Championships. It has evolved into a prominent international competition within the global tennis calendar.
End
The US Open has it all, for every tennis lover, with its history, its moments, its legends. From amateur to open to modern tennis, the US Open has been around for over 100 years. Whether you’re there in person or at home, don’t miss it.
