The U.S. Open, the final Grand Slam tournament of the year, has arrived at the National Tennis Center in Flushing, Queens. Through September 9, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, Roger Federer and most of the world’s other elite players will show off their skills on the hard courts of Arthur Ashe Stadium. Here’s your guide to all of the on-court action and the best events away from it.
What to Know
For the next two weeks, New York City will serve as the world capital of tennis. But while all the attention will be on Andy Murray and Williams’ repeat attempts in the singles realm, the historic journey that the Bryan brothers are undertaking on the doubles side should not be underestimated. If they win this showdown, the sensational siblings will be the first twosome to possess all four Grand Slam trophies in the same calendar year.
As if that weren’t enticing enough for a visit to the National Tennis Center, the impressive facility — easily reached by the 7 train on New York’s subway system — will offer live entertainment (including singer/songwriter Aaron LaVigne and a cappella group Treble), premium dining and drinking experiences (Aces and Champions Bar & Grill) and the chance to see your favorite tennis stars up close and personal during practice sessions.
Tickets are for sale on the official U.S. Open website and through online resellers (for the sessions starting at 11 a.m. or 7 p.m.). The hottest tickets (men’s semifinals, men’s finals) are already sold out, but may be available for purchase from the aforementioned sites.
What to Do
While most visitors will understandably have their eye on all of the tennis action, there are many other opportunities to have fun away from the stadium over the next few weekends, too. Take a trip across the Brooklyn Bridge or a ride on the ferry to Governor’s Island to see the borough-hopping NYC Unicycle Festival (Aug. 30 through Sept. 1), get two-for-one theater tickets during NYC Broadway Week (Sept. 2 through 15) or participate in the shows, sales and parties of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (Sept. 5 to 12).
Where to Stay
While the competition takes place in Queens, many tennis fans retreat back to Manhattan after a day’s play. The luxurious Four-Star Trump SoHo New York is getting in on the rallying revelry, offering a Game. Set. Match. package in honor of the Open. Relax after an exciting match with a 30-minute massage (and perhaps a dip in the mosaic-lined outdoor pool) and receive a bottle of organic sunscreen to prepare you for a day of watching games under the sun (along with two nights in a Premiere room). A new Quick Bites program also provides healthy snacks to grab and go when you’re en route to Murray’s next contest.
Photos Courtesy of Trump International Hotel and Tower and iStock-JO Foster
