Just as New York City was finally quieting after the Knicks’ championship victory parade and all the heart-stopping World Cup action, the racket has restarted in Queens. The 2026 US Open (August 23 to September 13) comes with its usual bag of tennis intrigue — Will Carlos Alcaraz be healthy enough to defend his men’s title? Will Aryna Sabalenka win her third consecutive women’s crown? Which A-listers will show up in the grandstands? — but there are new questions hovering over the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center — namely those asking if Serena Williams’ knee will allow her comeback tour to continue.
While fans and fellow players ponder, there’s plenty that we know with certainty. For starters, there are few sporting events that offer more to see and do around the action than the US Open — and as you’ll soon see, that will only continue this year. We also know that many of the city’s top hotels will keep their traditions going by having lavish overnight packages and themed amenities that make everyone feel as if they’re a part of the fun.
On-Court Excitement
One thing that savvy tennis fans always say is that the first week of the US Open is incredible for the access it provides to the world’s top players. You can either see someone like Taylor Fritz working on his volley (Top Player Practice, August 23 to 29) or catch an interview with a star like Coco Gauff during a Media Day appearance (August 28).
Five-time US Open champ Roger Federer, who last competed in the grand slam in 2019, will return to action for the “Roger Federer: An Icon Returns to NY” exhibition event at Arthur Ashe Stadium on August 25. Federer will be joined for this rare on-court appearance by fellow luminaries of the sport Andy Roddick, John McEnroe and Andre Agassi.
The US Open’s calendar will also be filled with events for music lovers (Lumineers concert, August 21), young spectators (Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, August 23) and everyone in between (Open For All Day, free ground admission on September 10). And on September 12 and 13, the always-popular US Open Fan Fest will take place around Louis Armstrong Stadium. Expect watch parties, fan activations, celebrity sightings and a post-women’s finals bash hosted by Grammy-winning DJ Zedd.
Overnight Aces
Manhattan’s high-end hotels are in top form around the US Open. But even with the city’s lofty standards, what Lotte New York Palace has worked up for stays between August 24 and 31 takes things to luxurious heights. The Forbes Travel Guide Recommended hotel’s $100,000 Game, Set, Sparkle experience includes a two-night stay in the three-story, 5,000-square-foot Jewel Suite by Martin Katz, four invitations to the hotel’s exclusive pre-US Open extravaganza Palace Invitational, a private champagne reception on the suite’s rooftop terrace and the deal’s shiniest draw, a tennis bracelet designed by Katz with 84 round diamonds in it.
Four-Star The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel’s Grand Slam Getaway is another promotion that hits the mark. Beyond enjoying the tony touches in the room, guests will also receive daily breakfast at Casa Tua, a $100 hotel credit (which can be used to transfer to the tournament grounds), a branded hat and a tennis-themed welcome amenity.
For those feeling inspired by what they see Naomi Osaka and others do with their backhands, Four-Star The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad’s Ace the City package affords guests the opportunity to play at members-only Hudson River Tennis Club during a private lesson with former ATP pro Noah Rubin. Outside of the class, the package also consists of a two-night stay in one of the Penthouse Residences, tennis-inspired fashion from Malbon, an in-suite cocktail-making class, dinner for two at Dahlia’s Garden & Terrace and much more.
Other Hotel Fun
Waldorf Astoria New York, one of New York City’s most iconic addresses, aims to add another chapter in its lore with the Ballroom Tennis Invitational on August 27. Transforming its chandelier-adorned Grand Ballroom into a full-length tennis court, the hotel will host an exhibition with tennis pros Ben Shelton, Tommy Paul, Leylah Fernandez and Maria Sakkari. There will be free-flowing champagne, elevated bites and tennis-inspired cocktails as well.
Park Lane New York is playing its part with themed amenities that fans will want to take a swing at, too. From August 24 to September 13, Calvert’s will serve up a tennis ball-shaped vanilla cake with a guava filling for dessert lovers and pour the Park Lane Honey Deuce (vodka, raspberry liqueur, lemonade and a honeydew garnish) to guests looking to toast to some of the most thrilling weeks of tennis on the sports calendar.
