The U.S. Open started with a bang on Monday, August 26, setting a new attendance record for a single day in the tournament’s history. A staggering 74,641 tennis enthusiasts flocked to Flushing Meadows in New York City, eager to witness the action across both day and night sessions.
The day session alone saw 42,886 fans, making it the second-highest turnout ever for a day session at the U.S. Open. The excitement continued into the night, where 31,775 fans filled the stands—setting a new record for night session attendance. The evening was highlighted by matches featuring tennis stars Novak Djokovic and Frances Tiafoe.
Despite the absence of tennis legends Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray, the U.S. Open drew massive crowds. Nadal, who is not yet 100% fit, chose to withdraw but is expected to return at the Laver Cup. Meanwhile, Murray has retired following his loss at the Paris Olympics. Their absence, however, didn’t deter fans from showing up in record numbers.
As the tournament moves into day two, all eyes are on top players like Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek, and Jessica Pegula. With such a strong start, the rest of the tournament promises to keep fans excited and the attendance numbers high.
The final Grand Slam of the tennis season has certainly set a high bar with its incredible opening day, and fans are eager to see what comes next.