US Open Tennis
A prestigious two-week-long tournament that continues to grow in popularity year after year, US Open tennis provides the perfect bookend for the Grand Slam season. Three different players have won the year’s first three Grand Slams, as world No. 1 Novak Djokovic captured his fourth Australian Open title in January, No. 3 Rafael Nadal won his eighth Roland Garros in June, and No. 2 Andy Murray secured his first Wimbledon honor in July.
While who will claim victory in September is anyone’s guess, all signs point to the dominant Djokovic and Murray. The duo has appeared in the finals in every Grand Slam this year except Roland Garros, and also advanced to the finals at last year’s US Open when Murray prevailed in a five-set thriller. Should he win again, he’ll become the tournament’s first back-to-back winner since Roger Federer’s memorable run of victories from 2004-08.
The outstanding play on the court is just the beginning so read up on what to expect as you prepare to attend the 2013 edition of US Open tennis.
When: Aug. 26-Sept. 9
Where: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing, N.Y.
About the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
Available to the public for the majority of the year, the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center boasts 30 outdoor courts in all, though that figure does not include the select few stadium courts that house the US Open’s top competition.
US Open tennis tickets are available for Grounds Admission, which provides access to the National Tennis Center, as well as the open seating sections inside Louis Armstrong Stadium, the Grandstand, and other supplemental courts. Grounds Admission passes are only available for purchase and use from Aug. 26-Sept. 2.
In general, each ticket listing is broken down by session and its corresponding venue and time of day, for a total of 26 sessions. Note the details included with the listing to ensure an accurate order.
Arthur Ashe Stadium
Opened in 1997, Arthur Ashe Stadium serves as host for the tournament’s premier matches. Check out day and evening sessions at the venue through Sept. 3, before it becomes the primary court for all sessions from the 4th until the finale on the 9th. All seating is reserved inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, which boasts a capacity of just over 23,000.
Louis Armstrong Stadium
Secondary to Arthur Ashe Stadium, day-session only matches will be played at Louis Armstrong Stadium from Aug. 26-Sept. 3. This court typically offers fans a great look at up-and-comers in the sport, as well as those with the potential to produce some major upsets later in the tournament. There is room for roughly 10,000 spectators, though only courtside box seating is reserved, as well as limited reserved seating in the loge section. All other seating is first-come, first-served.
Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day | Aug. 24
Fun for the whole family takes place on the Saturday before the start of the tournament each year. Known as Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center hosts a day full of celebration and live entertainment, complete with appearances by fan-favorite tennis stars and various kid-friendly musical acts. The day begins in the morning and concludes around mid-afternoon, and note that while most events require just a pass for the tennis center, some festivities will need a separate ticket for entry into Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Scheduled to Appear: Serena Williams, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, David Wagner, Ariana Grande, Austin Mahone, Fifth Harmony, Coco Jones, Lawson,
Opening Night Ceremony | Aug. 26
In the same vein as Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, the Opening Night Ceremony also offers up a pre-tournament party for fans. GRAMMY-winning singer Lenny Kravitz has been selected as the headliner for this year’s event at the Billie Jean King Tennis Center, which also will feature appearances by New York’s Mayor Bloomberg, and young Broadway star, Frenie Acoba, who will sing the national anthem.
Players to Watch
As mentioned earlier, Djokovic and Murray are considered strong favorites to reach the finals, though it won’t be easy should the rest of the world’s top 10 have any say. Also expected to populate the men’s draw are the likes of past winners like No. 3 Rafael Nadal, No. 5 Roger Federer, and No. 7 Juan Martin Del Potro.
On the women’s side, world No. 1 and reigning champ, Serena Williams, will be the one to beat at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Other past tournament victors will likely be on hand to challenge as well, including No. 3 Maria Sharapova, No. 11 Samantha Stosur, and No. 29 Svetlana Kuznetsova.
*Rankings as of Aug. 12
2013 US Open Tennis
Men's and Women's Draws
Schedule
Aug. 26-27 – Men and Women’s 1st Round
Aug. 28-29 – Men’s and Women’s 2nd Round
Aug. 30-31 – Men’s and Women’s 3rd Round
Sept. 1-2 – Men’s and Women’s Round of 16
Sept. 3-5 – Men’s and Women’s Quarterfinals
Sept. 6 – Women’s Semifinals
Sept. 7 – Men’s Semifinals
Sept. 8 – Women’s Final
Sept. 9 – Men’s Final