As the US Open tennis tournament unfolds in Queens, New York, a growing number of dedicated fans are turning to homemade creations rather than the official merchandise tents. This trend sees enthusiasts crafting and selling their own apparel, artwork, and accessories inspired by the Grand Slam event, reflecting a desire for personal expression and a more affordable alternative.
Sisters Amanda and Emily Mohre, who run the handmade clothing brand The Beaded Tee, created a custom tennis-inspired tank top featuring beaded tennis rackets and balls. Each shirt can take four to six hours to complete, with the sisters selling them for $75. Their designs, which also include beaded tennis balls and "US Open" bubble lettering, draw inspiration from personal stories and the vibrant atmosphere of the tournament. The Mohres, who turned their beading hobby into a business in 2025, aim to create clothing that feels unique and personal, drawing parallels to their previous success with custom pieces for events like the NBA Finals.
Brooklyn artist Olivia Ellis approaches her US Open fandom through hand-painted art. For the previous year's tournament, she created hand-painted portraits of Venus and Serena Williams on a denim vest and matching skirt. While she primarily creates these pieces for herself, Ellis also sells "museum-quality posters" featuring illustrations of players like Carlos Alcaraz and Naomi Osaka for $25. Additionally, she offers tennis-themed prints and digital downloads for $8 through her website and Etsy shop, which she has operated since 2023. Ellis describes her artistic style as focused on movement, texture, and vibrant colors, often layering mediums like markers and paint. For Ellis, the US Open evokes a "Christmas-like" excitement in New York.
Another creative, Toronto-based illustrator and graphic designer Fiorella Granda, designed an unofficial US Open poster as part of a series aimed at catching the attention of brands. Her maximalist illustration incorporates elements such as Arthur Ashe Stadium, the Queens skyline, and references to players like Coco Gauff and Serena Williams, along with Billie Jean King's quote, "Pressure is a privilege." Granda's design also playfully references the Honey Deuce cocktail and New York City's "Big Apple" nickname. She created the digital illustration using Adobe Illustrator, drawing inspiration from vintage tournament artwork. Granda, who grew up playing basketball and was a college athlete, aims to make the sports world more inclusive through her design work. While the US Open did not respond to her outreach, Granda's poster has garnered appreciation from tennis fans, and she is considering releasing stickers based on its playful elements. Her work often celebrates women in sports, a passion she brings to her fan art.
The US Open, one of tennis' four Grand Slam tournaments, is taking place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens. The main singles draw began on August 30, with the women's final scheduled for September 12 and the men's final for September 13. This DIY merchandise movement highlights a fan culture that values personal connection and creative expression alongside the sport itself.