Fan week at the U.S. Open is experiencing a surge in attendance and enthusiasm, largely attributed to a significantly revamped mixed doubles tournament that has drawn top-tier talent and captivated spectators even before the main singles draw begins. This year's event has seen a notable increase in fan engagement, with premium tickets for the mixed doubles selling out and overall attendance rising.
The USTA's decision to shift the mixed doubles tournament to fan week has been credited with allowing prominent singles stars to participate. The tournament now features a $1 million prize and a format of best-of-three sets, with a 10-point tiebreak deciding a third set if necessary. These changes have contributed to the tournament's elevated status, transforming it from a mere prelude to a featured event.
This year's mixed doubles competition boasts high-profile pairings, including Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz, Jessica Pegula and Taylor Fritz, and Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic. Other notable duos in the field include returning two-time champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, alongside Casper Ruud-Diana Shnaider, Taylor Townsend-Alexander Zverev, Emma Navarro-Tommy Paul, Belinda Bencic-Flavio Cobolli, Amanda Anisimova-Learner Tien, Alex Eala-Felix Auger-Aliassime, Leylah Fernandez-Frances Tiafoe, Elina Svitolina-Gael Monfils, Mirra Andreeva-Andrey Rublev, and Jakub Mensik-Karolina Muchova.
Beyond the mixed doubles, fan week offers a variety of attractions for attendees. Spectators can gain free entry to the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center by registering online for a pass, allowing access to open practices and qualifying matches, which run from Monday through Thursday. The week also features cultural dance performances, family-friendly activities, and giveaways from Marvel. Fans can purchase the event's signature drink, the Honey Deuce, throughout the week.
A special exhibition event on Tuesday evening at 7:30 p.m. in Arthur Ashe Stadium will feature five-time U.S. Open champion Roger Federer sharing the court with Andre Agassi, John McEnroe, and Andy Roddick. Roddick, the last American man to win a Grand Slam singles title in 2003, will participate in this ticketed event.
Last year, fan week attracted 239,307 attendees, marking a 10 percent increase from the previous year. The mixed doubles tournament itself, spanning two days, sold out. This year's mixed doubles commenced with eight teams competing for two qualifying entries on Monday, followed by the first round and quarterfinals on Tuesday. Matches are accessible for free in Louis Armstrong Stadium with a fan access pass, and in Arthur Ashe Stadium with a paid ticket. The semifinals are scheduled for Wednesday evening in Arthur Ashe Stadium, with the final to follow.
The increased interest in fan week signifies a shift in how the U.S. Open is perceived, with the initial week now considered an integral part of the tournament's overall appeal, rather than just a preliminary stage. While the ultimate definition of the tournament will still rest on the outcomes of the singles championships, the buzz generated during fan week has become a consistent and significant component of the event.