The U.S. Open marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks with a moment of silence and a performance of the national anthem. The ceremony preceded the men's singles semifinal match between American players Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe.
Singer JoJo, joined by the New York Vocal Collective choir and Mervin Primeaux-O-Bryant performing in sign language, sang "The Star-Spangled Banner." Army cadets from West Point unfurled a large American flag during the performance. The event was described by attendees and observers as a "moving tribute."
Mervin Primeaux-O-Bryant performed in Sign Language as Army cadets from West Point unfurled a large American flag on the court.
The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, resulted in the deaths of 2,753 people at the World Trade Center in New York, including 343 firefighters and 71 law-enforcement officers.
The match between Shelton and Tiafoe ensured an American man would advance to the singles final, marking the first time an American man has reached the final since 2024. The last American man to win the U.S. Open singles title was Andy Roddick in 2003.