Few events in the sporting world evoke the passion, energy and drama of the US Open Tennis Championship. As the fourth and final Grand Slam of the annual tennis calendar, it celebrates the sport’s evolution. Shaped by monumental moments, iconic players and a spirit of innovation that continues to set the tournament apart, it has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century.
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US Open history
The origins of the championship can be traced back to 1881, long before it took on its current name. It began as the US National Championship, organised by the US National Lawn Tennis Association. The first tournament was held at the prestigious Newport Casino in Rhode Island and featured competitions solely for men’s singles and doubles. Over the next decade, the event began expanding its inclusivity, adding women’s singles in 1887, women’s doubles in 1889 and mixed doubles in 1892. These additions marked early steps towards the inclusive ethos the US Open would come to represent.
The tournament moved to Forest Hills, Queens, in 1915, settling at the West Side Tennis Club. This signified not only a geographical shift, but a broadening of the tournament’s prestige. By the 1920s, it was already attracting prominent international players such as France’s René Lacoste, reflecting the championship’s growing global appeal.
Pioneers and trailblazers
Among the tournament’s most significant historical figures is Althea Gibson, who broke racial barriers in 1950 by becoming the first African-American athlete to compete in the US National Championships. Her groundbreaking achievements would include becoming the first black player to win the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open in singles, with a total of 11 Grand Slam titles to her name. In 2019, a statue of Gibson was unveiled outside the Arthur Ashe Stadium, serving as a lasting tribute to her legacy.
Billie Jean King, Althea Gibson and Serena Williams all stand out as examples of people who not only achieved great success, but who also paved the way for greater inclusivity and social justice in the sport.
Birth of the modern US Open
In 1968, tennis entered the Open Era and with it the US Open Tennis Championships was born. For the first time, professionals and amateurs competed together, and the tournament adopted its new name. This year marked a crucial evolution in format and inclusivity. All five events were brought together into one unified competition at the West Side Tennis Club. Arthur Ashe and Virginia Wade emerged as the first singles champions of this new era, setting the tone for decades of memorable play.
Ten years later, the tournament made its final move to its current home: the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre in Flushing Meadows, Queens – so named to honour King’s tremendous impact on the sport and gender equality. Over the decades, the court surface evolved from grass to clay, and finally to the hard courts used today, which contribute to the tournament’s distinct speed and style of play.
Behind the scenes
Beyond the glamour of the championship, the upkeep of facilities remains crucial to the event’s success. The tennis courts’ maintenance comprises essential behind-the-scenes efforts that ensure world-class playing conditions throughout the two-week tournament. Every detail, from surface preparation to cleanliness, plays a part in the smooth operation of this globally renowned championship.
The US Open utilises Laykold, the official surface of the tournament, known for its consistency and quality. It is claimed that Laykold courts are ten times more consistent than the industry standard. The regime goes way beyond tennis court cleaning, as the courts undergo annual resurfacing each August, before the tournament begins. As well as deep cleaning, which is essential to remove dirt, debris and surface contaminants, fresh colour coating paint and new line markings are added.
While the annual resurfacing is a major part of the maintenance, regular sweeping, brushing and watering are also performed during the tournament to maintain optimum playing conditions.
Tennis US Open champions
The US Open has hosted some of the most legendary matches in tennis history. The 2001 quarterfinal between Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi is still widely regarded as one of the greatest matches ever played, showcasing an electrifying display of skill and intensity that captivated a global audience. Sampras, already a five-time US Open champion, won in four sets without a single service break from either player, relying on tiebreaks to win sets. With the final score being 6-7, 7-6, 7-6, 7-6, the match was a testament to the sheer precision and power of both men. It has since received more than 1.5 million views on YouTube.
Another defining moment came in 1999, when 17-year-old Serena Williams burst onto the scene, claiming her first Grand Slam title at the US Open and marking the beginning of her illustrious career. She would go on to secure six US Open titles. On the men’s side, Jimmy Connors, Pete Sampras and Roger Federer each have five US Open titles, sharing the record in the Open Era.
Before the Open Era, Molla Bjurstedt Mallory dominated the tournament with eight women’s singles titles between 1915 and 1926 – a record that still stands.
Innovation and equality
The US Open has always distinguished itself as a leader in social progress, making history in 1973 by becoming the first Grand Slam to offer equal prize money to male and female competitors. This monumental change was the result of relentless campaigning by the Billie Jean King, who threatened to boycott the tournament unless women were paid equally. Organisers ultimately relented, and that year, Margaret Court and John Newcombe each took home £18,600 each as champions.
Another key advancement came with the introduction of electronic line calling. The US Open was the first Grand Slam to implement Hawk-Eye technology, offering players the option to challenge line calls and enhancing the game’s fairness and transparency. It was also the first to introduce night matches under lights, adding a new level of excitement and allowing the tournament to reach a wider television audience across different time zones.
What sets the US Open apart?
From the very beginning, the tournament has been unlike any other. Set in the heart of New York City, it thrives on the vibrancy, noise and passion of its urban surroundings. The hard court surface contributes to a fast-paced, power-heavy style of play, encouraging dramatic rallies and bold strategies. The energy of the crowd, especially during evening matches at Arthur Ashe Stadium, creates an atmosphere that is electrifying, emotional and unique.
When does US Open tennis start?
Excitement is already building for the 2025 event, which runs from 24th August to 7th September. Promising another chapter of high-stakes matches, record-breaking performances and unforgettable moments, and with anticipated total prize money of £56 million; the US Open remains the biggest stage in American tennis and a defining fixture in the sporting calendar.