I visited the US Open in Flushing. This is what I observed.

Do I think I’m a tennis expert? Not really. Terms like topspin, dead balls, open stances, and footwork—well, before yesterday, they held no significance for me. Sure, I play for fun now and then, but if you were to ask me about the Federer-Nadal rivalry, I might just stare blankly at you. That’s not really why I was excited to attend the 2025 US Open; for many people, including New Yorkers, it’s almost a rite of passage.

After hopping on the shuttle (yes, they have a shuttle from the pickup to the arena), I quickly found my favorite part of the event. Expertise? Totally optional. Sure, some die-hard fans were hanging on every moment, but like so many others there, I was focused on the fun stuff—throwing on a stylish outfit, indulging in a lavish tub of $100 caviar-coated chicken nuggets, and nabbing that perfect Instagram shot with Arthur Ashe Stadium in the background.

If 95% of the crowd was there for the tennis, the other 5% likely came to spot influencers and celebrities. In the early days of the tournament, we relaxed in oversized sunglasses while spotting people like Spike Lee rocking a chic all-white look.

Sure, some of the glamour can distract from the serious sport.

The star power of many players is undeniable, even if you’re not familiar with their stats. This was just the second day of the two-week event, and buzz filled the air about the evening matches: Carolina Mann-Vy Williams and the much-anticipated clash between Carlos Alcaraz and Riley Opelka at 7 PM.

I had a chance to chat with Tommy Paul, the American tennis star currently ranked 14th. He recently made headlines, especially during the incident where a photographer stumbled onto the court during Danil Medvedev’s notorious match just a day before. Tommy emphasized that the atmosphere, fueled by passionate fans and long-standing traditions, makes the US Open unforgettable. I asked him a lighthearted question about trying the iconic Melon Ball Guarding Honey Deuce cocktail. Spoiler alert: he hasn’t yet.

As for his game-day rituals, he sticks to a few essentials—new balanced sneakers, Yonex racquets, and, of course, a protein-packed performance shake. “I’m focused on the game and getting it right,” he mentioned. His strength and conditioning coach, Franco Herero, stressed the importance of fueling up before matches. “The matches can be long, so physical preparation is essential,” he noted.

Want to be ready for action? Well, then you’re in the right place.

We’ve gathered everything you should know—and more—about the 2025 US Open below.

2025 US Open Tennis Ticket Price

You can find a complete list of dates, locations, ticket prices, and links to the most affordable available options for all US Open sessions here.