This past Saturday’s announcement sent ripples through the tennis world, highlighting the essence of the U.S. Open’s fan week and its increasingly popular mixed doubles tournament.
In a surprising twist, it was announced that Serena Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam champion who’s recently come out of retirement, will team up with the 23-year-old star, Carlos Alcaraz, who has already made a name for himself with seven Grand Slam titles.
Alcaraz took to social media, posting an enthusiastic “Let’s gooooo!” alongside a flame emoji, clearly showing excitement as he makes his return after an injury. The buzz surrounding the U.S. Open is different now; it’s evolved beyond just the main draw. Following its redesign last year, the mixed doubles tournament has gained traction, influencing this year’s fan week, which kicked off Sunday with key events returning on Monday at Flushing Meadows.
Before diving into mixed doubles, the early days of fan week will feature open practices and qualifying matches, allowing fans to enter the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center for free with an online pass. Premium tickets are up for grabs for mixed doubles and special events. There will be a mix of cultural performances and other family-friendly activities throughout the week. Marvel will even be doing daily comic giveaways. And for those interested, the renowned Honey Deuce drink is back — whether it’s your first or seventh of the season.
This Tuesday at 7:30 p.m., legendary players Roger Federer, Andre Agassi, John McEnroe, and Andy Roddick—who last brought home a Grand Slam for the U.S. in 2003—will participate in a ticketed exhibition match at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Last year’s fan week drew an impressive 239,307 attendees, according to U.S. Open statistics, showing a 10 percent increase from 2024. The two-day mixed doubles event sold out. This year, it will feature eight teams vying for two qualifying spots on Monday, followed by the first round and quarterfinals beginning Tuesday. Fans can watch the action in Louis Armstrong Stadium for free starting at 10 a.m. with their fan access pass, and in Arthur Ashe Stadium with a paid ticket starting at 11 a.m.
Ticketed semifinals are set for the following day at 7 p.m. in Arthur Ashe Stadium, leading up to the finals afterwards.
Williams and Alcaraz will certainly be a highlight in the tournament, but they won’t be alone. Jessica Pegula and Taylor Fritz form another all-American duo, while Aryna Sabalenka will partner with Novak Djokovic. The two-time defending champions, Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, are also making a return. Other teams in the mix include Casper Ruud-Diana Shnaider, Taylor Townsend-Alexander Zverev, Emma Navarro-Tommy Paul, and a refreshing lineup featuring names like Belinda Bencic and Frances Tiafoe.
The revamped mixed doubles tournament has significantly altered the atmosphere for the USTA before singles matches commence on Sunday. By moving this format to fan week, it allows big-name players who might not otherwise compete to join in. There’s a $1 million prize up for grabs, and matches will be played in a best-of-three sets format, with a 10-point tiebreaker serving as the deciding set if the first two sets reach four points.
Interest in fan week is at an all-time high. It’s no longer just a prelude; it’s a major attraction. While the U.S. Open will ultimately be remembered for who lifts the Tiffany & Co. trophy—a nine-pound emblem of victory—or whether an American man can end the title drought, or if someone like Pegula can finally top the women’s field, fan week is carving out its own significance.
But for now, the excitement of fan week is palpable, making it a permanent fixture of the U.S. Open experience.
