You know the US Open season has begun when the New York air is buzzing with excitement and chatter about major face-offs between tennis champions. But what exactly sets it apart from other championships like Wimbledon, Australian Open, or French Open? Apart from being held in one of the world's largest tennis venues, there is a myriad of factors that make the US Open exciting. Keep reading to find out what all the buzz is about!
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How Is the US Open Unique?
There are loads of reasons why hordes of people gravitate toward the US Open every year. Let's check out some of the main ones! This tournament has a character all its own, faster pace, bigger energy and a setting that feels less like a quiet match and more like a summer event you don't want to miss. Players often say there's something about stepping onto the court in New York that hits differently. It’s loud, it’s alive and it pushes people to play their best... or crack under pressure. Whether you're in the stands or watching from home, you can feel that edge!
Tennis was the first sport to offer equal prize money to men and women. It was also one of the first sports to become inclusive of women and wheelchair users.
In fact, every year, the tournament churns out notable women winners as well as differently abled ones! The 1973 announcement that players in both categories would receive the same prize check was made possible by the efforts of Billie Jean King.
The Grand Opening Ceremony
The US Open's grand ceremony is one of the best among the other Grand Slams. Star-studded performances make it one of the most fun premier nights that have recently been part of the opening ceremony. In fact, in 2021, the show's stars, Tony Award candidates Aaron Tveit and Natalie Mendoza, led the cast of the Tony-nominated Broadway blockbuster "Moulin Rouge! The Musical," which was performed to a packed house.
The key set in the French Open for women category is third for women and fifth for men and continues on till the player has a two-game advantage, but the Australian Open uses an extended tiebreaker to a maximum of 10 points. Comparatively, Wimbledon only uses a conventional 12-point tiebreaker if the game score in the deciding set is 12-12. Only the US Open uses traditional 12-point tiebreaks (first to 7, win with 2) in each set of singles. The US Open is undoubtedly an easier and faster competition than the other three due to the use of the same format for each set.
Are you curious to see the men's winners list?
The Festivity of the US Open
When you visit a place like Wimbledon, the environment is pleasant, but there is also a certain air of formality, and people applaud wildly and briefly for outstanding rallies. Everything is completely different at the US Open. Fans may indulge in a variety of street food trucks, stores, ice-cold beverages at the bars, and sponsor interactions with giveaways all around the major courts.
The atmosphere of celebration and excitement during the US Open is unlike any other event because of the fun-filled surroundings blended with the intense matches.
The Court Surfaces Over Time
There have been separate court surfaces used in the different championships.
French Open on crushed white limestone covered with red brick dust, Wimbledon on grass and the Australian Open played initially on grass, but later switched to hard court in 1988. The US Open began with grass courts and switched to clay in 1975.
Once more, in 1978, the playing surface was changed, this time to a hard court. It is the only US Open that have been played on all three surfaces.
Night Matches Under the Lights
One of the most iconic elements of the US Open is its thrilling night sessions. Under the floodlights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, matches often stretch into the early hours of the morning. No other Grand Slam offers the same level of drama and atmosphere after sunset. The energy from the night-time crowd is electric, making these matches must-watch events for fans.
The Loud and Passionate New York Crowd
While crowds at Wimbledon or the French Open tend to be more subdued, New York fans bring unmatched energy. They cheer, chant, and rally behind their favorite players with intensity. This rowdy support can fuel comebacks and create unforgettable moments, giving the tournament a uniquely American edge. It’s not unusual for the crowd to treat the match like a concert, complete with chants, gasps, and spontaneous standing ovations. Players often feed off this energy, and for many, it’s the crowd that defines their US Open experience. Here's a compilation on YouTube!
Proximity to Pop Culture and Celebrities
Held in New York City, the US Open has always had close ties to celebrity culture. It's not unusual to spot A-listers in the stands, from actors and musicians to fashion icons and athletes. The event blends sports with entertainment in a way that makes it feel as much a cultural moment as a sporting one. One night you’ll see a Hollywood star taking selfies courtside; the next, a former president might be in the luxury box. This celebrity presence adds another layer of buzz, reminding everyone that the US Open is just as much about who’s watching as who’s playing.
What Is the History of the US Open?
The tournament dates back to the 18th century. The first championship was held in 1881, which was won by Richard Sears in the men's singles, and he consecutively won for the next seven years. Over time, the US Open became famous for its history of setting new trends. This included allowing women to earn equal US Open prize money as men and becoming one of the grand championships in tennis sports.
Here are some other interesting facts about US Open:
- Originally known as the National Singles Championship for Men, women were allowed to play in the tournament after six years. As most of the tennis players lived in New York, in 1915, they filed a petition to relocate the championship to New York, which was accepted
- The US Open was the first Grand Slam tournament to apply a tiebreaker to determine a set that was tied at 6-6 in games in 1970
- The US Open employed a best-of-nine-point sudden-death tiebreaker from 1970 to 1974 before switching to the International Tennis Federation's (ITF) best-of-twelve-points format
- The US Open is also the only Grand Slam event held every year since its start
- The US Open implemented immediate replay checks of line calls in 2006, utilizing Hawk-Eye technology
- In the following, each player is permitted three false challenges every set, with an additional one permitted in a tiebreak
- In 2021, the second Grand Slam became the second event to completely integrate Hawk-Eye Live, in which all line calls are made in advance
Tennis is undoubtedly a fine sport to watch and play, regardless of whether you are a huge US Open Tennis fan or not.
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Even if you are not a tennis fan, you don't need much time to fall in love with the game. Other than building your sports skills, tennis is a game that is mentally stimulating whether you're watching it or playing it. The most influential thing the US Open Tennis has done for the sport of tennis is to make it a globally recognized game. The players and champions of this sport are known worldwide, just like any other famous sport in the world. That said, if you want to get better at the game, a private tennis lesson may do you justice. Turn to Superprof, as we can connect you with the top tennis teachers in proximity.
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