I went to my first tennis match US Open In 2003 I thought that like at any pro-sports game, there would be screaming fans doing the “wave” while juggling an old hot dog and soda. I was lured in by the air of classiness at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. New York CityFlushing Meadows. It wasn’t about watching one match. There was so much to discover, including immersive activities, refined food, and, most impressively of all, matches taking place on courts around me. Some were so close I thought I would knock the ball out of course if I coughed.
The American Grand Slam which runs through September 7 is one of tennis’ four majors and the title that every professional player strives for. The year begins with the Australian Open You can also find out more about the following: Melbourne In January, the focus then shifts to Roland Garros The French Open is also known as the French Open. Paris Around Memorial Day and Wimbledon Around the Fourth of August, you can find a lot of people outside London.
The Grand Slams are all unique, but they share a similar feeling of excitement and overwhelm, especially for first-timers, who may not be aware of the vastness and scope the grounds and offerings.
The insiders are the players themselves, like No. No. 4 American Jessica Pegula, International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF) Inductees into the class of 2025 Maria SharapovaFour-time Grand Slam Semifinalist Tommy Haas The unwritten rules to attending the Grand Slam can be sourced from travel tennis tour company founders, coaches, concessioners and others.
Get to the tournament early
All Grand Slams are based on a bracket style elimination. This means that there will be more matches in the beginning as the players who lose get sent home. Pegula recommends going to the first week of the tournament. “You can watch a lot of matches at a lower price and in most cases, it’s easier and cheaper,” said the World of Hyatt ambassador tells Condé Nast Traveler. She has seen even her friends, who might not be the biggest fans of tennis, get to meet up-and coming players by catching early matches on a small-court. She says that if a player does well, you can follow them.
Find ticket deals
As with any event, ticket costs have skyrocketed in recent years. We found US Open grounds passes, which don’t allow access to the stadiums, ranging from $76 to $150 for weekday sessions but more than $400 for the weekend. Each Slam has its own ticketing system. Nicolas PereiraFormer pro and member of the ATP Council Committee, who is also an analyst for Tennis Channel, claims that resale ticket prices are particularly high in New York. He suggests fans purchase tickets only through official outlets. official site. He says, however, that Wimbledon ticket holders with grounds pass have the opportunity to purchase returned Show Court seats £10 for No.1 Court and No.2 Court, and £15 for Centre Court. He said: “This is an inexpensive way to watch the stars perform on the large show courts. However, you may need to queue up for a while to purchase these tickets.”
Plan on staying the entire day
Haas has been appointed tournament director at the BNP Paribas Open Greater Palm Springs Indian Wells Tennis GardenHe says that, unlike other sports, where the focus is on one big match, fans should plan to “advantage all that your ticket offers.” He says to arrive at the venue when the gates are opened, usually about an hour prior to matches, so you can check out all the activities, including the practice court, food and shopping. Haas advises to visit the outdoor courts to see matches being played even if you have a ticket for a seat in the stadium. “You can be up close to a very high level of tennis, and it is an incredible thing to witness in person.”
Prepare for any weather by checking the forecast
The Grand Slam venues have at least one stadium that has a retractable canopy, but the majority of the grounds remain uncovered. You’ll be exposed to the weather. “Some tournaments can be unpredictable,” says Craig Boynton, ATP player coach for Saddlebrook Resort’s Touring Pro Program. I’ve seen the days change from almost snowing, to scorching heat. Be prepared for anything. He suggests wearing breathable clothing, admitting that, “if it’s hot, you’re going to sweat—a lot!” Our experts all stress the importance of staying hydrated and reapplying sunblock frequently. Claudio Adolfssen says that sponsors often give away free sunscreen samples. The Ritz-Carlton Naples Tiburón Mouratoglou Tennis Academy. He prefers buying water on the spot since some venues have restrictions regarding large size and content.
Public transport is a good option
Public transportation is a great way to save time and money, especially with the Grand Slam attracting tens or thousands of people each day. Emmy Award-winning actress Uzo Aduba, Even the subway becomes a unique experience when matches are on. If you’ve never visited the US Open, take the 7 Train there at least one time,” she says. As the event gets closer, there’s a quiet energy transfer. Everybody is excited about one thing. “It’s like an adult Disney World.” On the return journey, this same spirit is evident. Aduba says, “You hear the energy and all the conversations that are just surrounding the event.”
Each Grand Slam has a distinct personality.
Wimbledon, however, is only 14 days. Although the UK tournament is held on grass and the French one on red clay while the other two are played on hard court, each has a unique vibe. Aduba who has been everywhere but Australia, calls Wimbledon the “first-born” where players dress in white. She says it would be a big mistake to wear your work clothes to the All England. CNT. The Residence star calls Roland Garros “the parent-ified second child” since it’s “quiet fun” because “you can see and feel the work in the sense that the clay is unforgiving—there’s a sort of grit required that translates to the spirit of the French Open.” The US Open is “the boisterous middle child,” and Australia “is the lastborn who does what they want.”
Dressing coolly for tennis in the heat of late summer is easy with these tips.
Dress appropriately
Pereira describes the style as “smart casual”. Pereira suggests that men wear Bermudas shorts, polos, or linen button-downs in the daytime, and chinos with short sleeves at night. Women can opt for skirts, shorts, and blouses with short sleeves for the day. Bring layers no matter what for the evening sessions.
Decide on your daily goals
Tennis may be the attraction, but a Grand Slam can be enjoyed in many different ways. It’s important to think about what you want from your Grand Slam experience, says Kyle Ross. Grand Slam Tennis ToursPackages are available for all majors. He suggests that you decide whether a good seat at the stadium is more important to you or if it’s better to be agile and move around the smaller courts. You might also want to watch a famous player “destroy” someone during the first rounds or prefer to be able to enjoy a competitive match in the second weeks. Be honest. Are you there to enjoy the tennis, or just the atmosphere? Knowing your goals before you go will help you avoid disappointment and focus on the tennis.
Plan your schedule but be prepared to change it.
The average round lasts two days. For tournaments of 15 days, the Round 1 will now take three days. This means that players only play every other day. Adolfssen warns that it’s difficult to know when you buy tickets in advance which day your favorite players will be playing. He said that schedules are usually released the night prior, so it’s important to check and determine which matches you do not want to miss to “map your own perfect schedule for a day of tennis.”
