The Billie Jean King National Tennis Center is quiet most of the year, but for two weeks late summer the place in Queens becomes the center of the tennis world. The US Open begins Aug. 24 and ends Sept. 7, and features the final Grand Slam of the season. The tournament is the last chance for players to win a major in 2025 and some of the biggest names will hit the courts.
The first round kicks off Sunday and features the return of last year’s champion Aryna Sabalenka, who will play 2021 US Open wild card champion Emma Raducanu. The American ace, who lost in the first round of Wimbledon this summer, is adored by New York fans and will look to take the crowd behind her as she attempts to add a second U.S. Open title to her trophy case.
Also on Sunday, Carlos Alcaraz takes on Jannik Sinner in what could be a blockbuster match-up. Both men reached the final of their respective majors in 2023 — Sinner won Wimbledon, while Alcaraz took home the French Open.
For those without tickets to matches inside Arthur Ashe or Louis Armstrong Stadiums, there are plenty of other options for catching the action on the big screens around the grounds. One pro tip: During the tournament’s first week, the food court near both stadiums can get crowded with hungry fans, so be sure to head to the Grandstand and grab a bite from popular restaurants such as Van Leeuwen ice cream, pizza from San Matteo or Greek fare from King Souvlaki. And don’t forget a water bottle, as glass bottles and cans are prohibited on the premises.