A general view of fans and signage at Arthur Ashe Stadium during Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day at the 2024 US Open, Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, in Flushing, NY. | Photo by Louie Lou/USTA
FLUSHING, NY – In two weeks, the US. Open will kick off with a Fan Week featuring a cast of world-class tennis players and entertainers for fan-friendly shows, events, and activities at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. For six days, from August 18 to 22, grounds admission will be free.
USTA said they are set to make this year’s US Open Fsn Week “the biggest and best-ever” event preceding the US Open Singles Main Draw. It will be a packed schedule of free and accessible tennis and entertainment for fans and families of all ages.
On August 18, a vibrant kickoff blending music, movement, and community energy will set the tone for a week of tennis, entertainment, and cultural celebration at the Fountain Plaza. A silent disco featuring three DJs — Jasmine Soriano, Whutever, and Curly Nez — will spin three different varieties of tunes – top ’40s,’80s,’90s, and 2000s throwback, Latin, and hip-hop fusion from 7 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wireless headphones will be provided to fans to switch between channels.
Legendary NYC artist, producer, and DJ D-Nice returns to headline the US Open Block Party on August 22.
Fans will be able to watch the world’s best players practice up close and catch all the action of the US Open qualifying tournament – all for free. However, some events require a Fan Access Pass. Fans can download the free Fan Access Pass — the must-have, digital ticket that grants special access to certain areas, events, and giveaways during the Fan Week at fanpass.usopen.org.
The Arthur Ashe Stadium Experience, including the Media Day Fan events, will be held on August 22. The Media Day event will allow fans to interview players directly as part of their interview circuit.
The qualifying tournament begins with 128 women and 128 men vying for the final 16 spots in the singles Main Draws at the field courts from Monday, August 18, through Thursday, August 21.
The “re-imagined” US Open Mixed Doubles Championship, with 16 star-studded teams of the best men’s and women’s players in the world, will compete for a Grand Slam title and a $1 million champions’ prize. It will be held at the Arthur Ashe Stadium and Louis Armstrong Stadium from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, August 20.
This event marks a significant shift from previous years, where it was held during the main tournament, alongside men’s and women’s singles and doubles. Now, it is a two-day showcase event on August 19-20 during the Fan Week — before the main draw begins. According to USTA officials, this change is aimed at attracting top singles stars and boosting fan engagement during the Fan Week.
There are 14 confirmed teams, including:
- Emma Raducanu & Carlos Alcaraz
- Iga Swiatek & Casper Ruud
- Venus Williams & Reilly Opelka
- Novak Djokovic & Olga Danilovic
Also, on August 21, the Stars of the Open Exhibition event will feature stars like Coco Graff, Andre Agassi, Venus Williams, and more.
New food options from celebrity chefs like José Andrés, Masaharu Morimoto, and Kwame Onwuachi will be available. A launch of a reality dating show, Game, Set, Matchmaker, will be filmed during the Fan Week.
The Philippines’ tennis star, Alex Eala, will not be participating in the qualifying tournament as she has earned direct entry into the main draw due to her impressive rise in the WTA rankings. Early this month, she is officially ranked No. 65. However, her live ranking, which reflects real-time performance and pending tournament points, places her at No. 67. Her career-high ranking is No. 56.
Her slight drop is due to a first-round loss at the National Bank Open in Montreal, Canada, and her withdrawal from the Cincinnati Open due to a left shoulder injury. She is expected to compete in the US Open main draw, marking her debut in the women’s singles bracket.
Her 2025 US Open debut is set for Monday, August 25, during the opening round of the women’s singles main draw.
Her first-round opponent has not been announced. The draw will reveal matchups for all 128 players in the main draw. Eala will likely face a seeded player in the first round. While the official draw has not been released yet, expert analysis suggests she may face one of the following seeded players based on her current ranking:
- Leylah Fernandez – crafty lefty and 2021 US Open finalist
- Jessica Pegula – tactical powerhouse and former Miami Open nemesis
- Mirra Andreeva – rising teen phenom with strong court sense
- Madison Keys or Coco Gauff – both former partners and rivals
Eala withdrew from the Cincinnati Open, formerly known as the Western & Southern Open, which runs from August 5 to August 18 at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio, due to a left shoulder injury sustained in Montreal.
According to media reports, she is currently in recovery and expected to be fit for the US Open.
