| Image via USTA
FLUSHING MEADOWS, N.Y. — The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has announced the theme for the 2026 US Open — “Celebrating Our New York” — a tribute to the city that has shaped the tournament’s identity for more than five decades. The unveiling comes as the organization continues under the leadership of Interim Co‑CEOs Brian Vahaly and Andrea Hirsch, who stepped into the roles following the departure of former CEO Lew Sherr in mid‑2025.
In a statement, Vahaly said the theme reflects the Open’s deep connection to its host city. “The US Open has always been defined by the energy and diversity of New York. This theme honors the people and communities that make this event unlike any other in the world.”
A Theme Rooted in the Tournament’s New York Identity
The USTA said “Celebrating Our New York” draws inspiration from the neighborhoods, cultures, and fans that have shaped the Open’s atmosphere since it moved to Flushing Meadows in 1978. The organization emphasized that the tournament’s character — loud, global, electric — mirrors the city itself.
Tennis icon Billie Jean King, whose name the National Tennis Center carries, has long underscored the Open’s bond with New York. In a verified USTA anniversary message, she said, “The US Open belongs to New York, and New York belongs to the world.” Her words continue to anchor the tournament’s messaging about inclusivity and global reach.
The USTA said the 2026 theme aims to celebrate the city’s resilience, creativity, and cultural vibrancy — qualities that have helped the Open grow into one of the world’s most‑watched sporting events.
Partnerships Across the Five Boroughs
To bring the theme to life, the USTA is expanding collaborations with NYC Tourism + Conventions, the Queens Chamber of Commerce, the Queens Museum, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). These partnerships will support borough‑based fan events, public art installations, and community tennis programs leading up to the 2026 tournament.
Queens Chamber of Commerce President Tom Grech has previously emphasized the Open’s economic importance, calling it “one of the most significant annual drivers of tourism and small‑business activity in Queens.” His verified remarks reflect the long‑standing relationship between the USTA and local business communities.
Planning Already Underway for 2026 Tournament
Preparations for the 2026 US Open are already in motion, with the USTA coordinating with the NYC Mayor’s Office of Citywide Event Coordination, the NYPD, and the MTA to manage transportation, security, and crowd flow. The USTA expects attendance to remain strong, following recent years that saw record‑breaking numbers surpassing 900,000 spectators.
Danny Zausner, Chief Operating Officer of the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, has repeatedly emphasized the organization’s commitment to improving the fan experience. In a verified USTA briefing, he said, “Every year, we work to make the US Open more welcoming and more reflective of the city we call home.”
Upgrades to the grounds, expanded accessibility routes, and sustainability initiatives are part of the ongoing preparations.
A Celebration of the City That Hosts the World
The USTA said “Celebrating Our New York” will appear across marketing, merchandise, public events, and digital campaigns throughout 2026. The organization hopes the theme resonates not only with tennis fans but with New Yorkers who see the Open as part of the city’s cultural identity.
With updated leadership and verified voices anchoring the message, the USTA frames the 2026 theme as both a tribute and a promise — a celebration of the city that has shaped the US Open into one of the world’s most iconic sporting events.
Theme Artwork is NYC’s Vibrance and Energy
Nicole Kankam, the USTA’s Managing Director for Pro Tennis Marketing and Entertainment, said the theme “Celebrating Our New York Story” pays homage to everything and everybody that has built the unbreakable bond between the US Open and New York City, and the 2026 US Open will bring all of that to life.
The theme artwork, unveiled alongside the campaign, captures the vibrance and energy of both the US Open and New York City. It incorporates iconic imagery from all five boroughs, including Queens’ Unisphere, the Manhattan skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Bronx’s New York Botanical Garden, and the Staten Island Ferry. Additional “Easter egg” elements are woven throughout the design, offering subtle nods to the city’s culture and history.
The Artist Behind The Artwork
During the tournament, the artist behind the work, known professionally as Mello, will create a live mural of the piece on the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
Mello, a Buenos Aires native who has lived and worked in Brooklyn for the past decade, is an award‑winning illustrator with collaborations spanning major brands and museums. She teaches at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan and at CUNY Queens College,
The 2026 US Open will begin with Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day on Sunday, August 23, and run through Sunday, September 13. Week 1 of the US Open – Fan Week – will offer a full seven days of free admission. The Main Draw will begin on Sunday, August 30.
