The U.S. Open men's final, which saw Alexander Zverev defeat American Ben Shelton, concluded with organizers facing scrutiny over a tournament frequently disrupted by off-court issues. Influencer activity, late-night scheduling, and escalating ticket prices contributed to an atmosphere that, at times, overshadowed the tennis itself.
Despite an $800 million upgrade to the USTA's facilities, the tournament was marred by several controversies. The scheduling of significant matches, including Shelton's quarterfinal against Carlos Alcaraz, in the early morning hours drew criticism. The final itself coincided with the start of the NFL season, a decision that may have impacted attendance.
During matches, including the women's final between Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina, umpires were forced to address spectators engaging in photo shoots. One spectator was reportedly removed for smoking marijuana during Sabalenka's match. These incidents prompted a pre-match announcement at the men's final, urging the crowd to refrain from disruptive behavior, such as flash photography.
Ben Shelton, who had the potential to become America's first male Grand Slam champion in 23 years, was ultimately defeated by Zverev's consistent play. Zverev, after securing the win, apologized to the crowd for being "the wrong winner," acknowledging the disappointment for the home crowd.
Even the weather presented challenges, with storm warnings and rain impacting the lead-up to the final. Despite these conditions, fans gathered, drawn by activations from sponsors like Tiffany Jewelry and Emirates. However, as the final approached, organizers introduced smoke into Arthur Ashe Stadium, which a section of the crowd found obstructed views.
Post-match, both Zverev and Shelton offered praise for the tournament organizers. The USTA, a non-profit organization, has seen significant profit increases in recent years, with plans for further expansion that include more seats and hospitality areas. However, concerns remain that these developments will come at the expense of more affordable seating options, potentially alienating long-time tennis fans.