As the calendar pages turn closer to August 19th, the buzz of anticipation becomes unignorable, drawing the attention of tennis enthusiasts and bringing new eyes to the sport.
The US Open is one of the most anticipated tournaments in the sport of tennis. The thrilling matches that it produces year after year have made it an attractive spectacle for fans from around the world.
Once you get your head around the rules, it’s actually extremely accessible and can be enjoyed by those who might not even know a serve when they see one.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the US Open so that you can keep an eye out for the big games, some of the players that will be competing and how you might go about snagging a few tickets for yourself.
Significance of the US Open
The US Open Championship is the country's fourth-largest hardcourt tennis competition. The US Open has been held annually since 1881. It coincides with Labor Day as it begins on the last Monday of August and ends in the middle of September, lasting for two weeks.
Primarily known as the US National Championship, the history of the US Open has been enriched throughout the years. Lasting almost 141 years, it is revered not only as the US's but also as one of the world's oldest tennis championships.
The US Open Tennis Championship was founded and organized by the non-profit organization, the United States Tennis Association (USTA). The revenue from ticket sales, sponsorships, and television contracts is used to develop tennis throughout the United States.
Why Is the US Open a Grand Slam?
If you find yourself scratching your head whenever the term grand slam gets thrown around when discussing the upcoming tournament, it just means that the contest is one of the most elite of the year.
In tennis, there are four major competitions that take place in the calendar year the US Open, Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon.
These tournaments are what make up the grand slam and they attract the biggest names in the sport since they offer a platform to compete on the biggest stage.
How Do Players Qualify for the Tournament?
It's actually a big deal even to earn a place in the tournament since it requires athletes to accumulate points by receiving cards or participating in qualifying events.
The best thing about the US Open is that anyone above the age of 14 who meets the eligibility criteria can participate. Unlike other championships, it does not comprise strict criteria for allowing only candidates with special education or experience to participate.
In fact, it's also inclusive of wheelchair users. As a result, you can apply to play in this tournament if you belong to any profession or any amateur with a USGA Handicap Index not exceeding 1.4.
Much like the Grand Slam, the US Open lets 128 players play in the main draw. It's divided into 104 through ranking, 16 through qualifying, and 8 through wild cards. Players usually need to meet three criteria to qualify for a Grand Slam.
So, it is not just anybody can grab a racket, put on some sneakers and head out onto center court. Even once players qualify for the US Open, they are seeded according to their rankings.
This means that throughout the early stages, players who have a lower ranking will be playing against the more accomplished stars.
Event Schedule and Key Matches
In order to make the most out of the tournament and squeeze every last drop of enjoyment out of the exhilarating performances that you can expect to see over the course of the month, you’re going to need to know when the games will be taking place.
While all eyes will be on the quarterfinal games and onwards, the initial rounds are not to be missed, as they never disappoint when it comes to shocking upsets and historic performances from the world's best.
Match Dates Tournament Event Aug 26-27 1st Round Aug 28-29 2nd Round Aug 30-31 3rd Round Sep 1-2 Round of 16 Sep 3-4 Quarterfinals Sep 5 Women's Semifinals Sep 6 Men's Semifinals Sep 7 Women's Final Sep 8 Men's Final
If you don’t have the fortune of being able to call your boss and tell them you’ll be away for the month or clear your entire calendar so that you can watch every single game, then make sure to clear your schedule for the most important games.
From September 3rd onwards, the calibre of talent will be whittled down to the top-performing players in the tournament.
This is also when the lights shine brightest, as there is no room for error when players look to cement their legacy by taking their shot at lifting some hardware when it’s all said and done.
Player Highlights and Predictions
Since you can't have eyes on every player, there are a few you might want to focus on when it comes to US Open men. From the moment the players take to the court, all eyes will be on Carlos Alcaraz in this year's US Open, given his recent form and him being the Wimbledon titleholder.
One thing that does seem to be missing from his impressive resume is a win at Flushing Meadows, so expect him to be on the lookout to add this impressive accolade.
Carlos Alcaraz
You don’t need to know anything about the sport to have heard about Novak Djokovic who has deservedly become a household name for the stellar results he so consistently produced throughout his career.
While each additional title after the first seems to lose a little merit, it’s hard to grasp how one man can win a Grand Slam 24 times!
Who do you have winning the 2024 US Open?
Even though he has struggled against Alcaraz in the past, and even in the Wimbledon final, there is simply no ruling out such a legend, especially now that he will be seeking revenge!
Novak Djokovic
Another key player that you might want to keep tabs on throughout the tournament is Jannik Sinner, who you might have seen lifting the Australian Open trophy earlier in the year.
It’s hard to make a case against him accomplishing anything less than a ticket to the semi-finals when you consider that the Spaniard already has four Grand Slam victories under his belt and has earned himself a reputation as the best player from the baseline.
After picking up such a win, he will be playing with extreme confidence and there's certainly no ceiling on what he can achieve when he gets into a rhythm.
You’ll see for yourself, even from the initial stages of the competition, that he has an unmatched ability to serve powerfully, dominate from the baseline, and defend the court at a high level. With seemingly no weak points to his game, it can be tough to see many other potential champions being crowned at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Iga Swiatek
For the Women's portion of the tournament, Iga Swiatek is a name that has been in the headlines surrounding this year's US Open. While there are plenty of games ahead, many view the trophy as hers to lose. This speaks volumes of her dominance in the sport, especially when you consider the level of competition she'll be up against.
Coco Gauff
The fans will likely be behind Coco Gauff, who will be fighting on home soil for a chance to secure some silverware for herself and upset the current number-one-ranked player. The American is just 20 years of age and has been improving each year that passes. She is definitely on to keep an eye out for as the 2024 US Open approaches.
How Much is the US Open Prize Money?
The US Open's prize money differs each year. However, the budget for the prize money elevates every following year.
The US Open 2023 prize money was $65 Million, up from $60 million in 2022.
Let's look at the total breakdown of the US Open prize money for the year 2024:
Tournaments Prize Money Men's / Women's Singles $3,000,000 Men's / Women's Singles Runner-Up $1,500,000 Men's / Women's Doubles (Per Team) $700,000 Men's / Women's Doubles Runner-Up $350,000 Mixed Doubles (Per Team) $170,000 Mixed Doubles Runner Up $85,000 Total $65,000,000
How to Prepare for the US Open 2024?
With all the buzz that is growing around the tournament, it’s only normal that you might feel like you want to head out onto the court yourself.
Learning more about the game will not only help you to improve at playing, but it will also help you to appreciate what you will be seeing over the course of the US Open.
Familiarize Yourself with Tournament Rules
If you don’t want to be confused anytime the umpire interjects in the game then learning some of the tournament rules will help you avoid that situation entirely.
On top of that, if you are lucky enough to have secured tickets to any of the games, it will also help you how to conduct yourself on the grounds.
For starters, the USGA has a list of items that are not allowed on the grounds during the championship. Fans are also encouraged to capture their moments while being mindful of the player's concentration and focus.
Adhering to these rules will help avoid any issues that might stain the experience that lies ahead of you.
Work with a Tennis Instructor from Superprof
If you're looking to get active and have some fun, you should check out a tennis lesson from Superprof. They're perfect for improving your skills, getting a great workout, and meeting new people who share your love for the game! You also might be in need of some support and guidance on your tennis journey, you might want to consider working with a tutor through Superprof.
The US Open is not just a competitive battleground for the world's best to compete; it’s also a time to celebrate the sport. By working alongside a tennis instructor who knows the ins and outs of the game on a one-to-one basis, you can expect to progress at a much faster rate than you would if you just hit unanswered serves over the net by yourself on the court.
Who knows, by getting started with a tennis instructor from Supeprof maybe you’ll make a late entry to the tournament and show the pros all that you’ve learned in your sessions! Who's to say you won't be the next big name in the US Open women or men's tournament?
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