The US Open, held annually at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, Queens, New York, is one of tennis’s four Grand Slam tournaments and arguably one of the sport’s most electrifying events. As the last major of the tennis calendar, it routinely delivers exceptional drama, fierce competition, and unforgettable moments under the bright New York lights.

This year’s tournament boasts a staggering total prize money pool of $90 million, underscoring the sport’s growing global popularity and commercial success. The champions of the men’s and women’s singles events will each receive a lucrative $5 million, a testament to the tournament’s prestige and the high stakes involved. Runners-up take home $2.5 million, with the prize money decreasing incrementally for those advancing less far but still reaching the later rounds — semi-finalists earn $1.26 million and quarter-finalists $660,000, making the financial rewards significant even for players outside the final spotlight.

Doubles competitions will also feature robust prize money, with winners of the men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles events each awarded $1 million. Mixed doubles runners-up receive $500,000, highlighting the tournament’s commitment to promoting all facets of the game. These amounts reflect not just monetary incentives but also the prestige and competitiveness that attracted the world’s best players to vie for the iconic trophies.

The US Open’s schedule is packed with tennis action, starting with the mixed doubles event that kicked off on Tuesday, August 19. The defending mixed doubles champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori from Italy have been in scintillating form, successfully retaining their title in a nail-biting final against Poland’s Iga Swiatek and Norway’s Casper Ruud. The final score was 6-3, 5-7, 10-6 — a super tiebreak thriller that kept fans on the edge of their seats until just before midnight.

Following the mixed doubles, the women’s doubles competition commenced on Thursday, August 28, with the men’s doubles event beginning the following day at 4 pm BST. The tournament culminates with the quad wheelchair doubles final on Friday, September 5, reflecting the US Open’s commitment to inclusivity and providing a platform for athletes across all categories to showcase their talents.

The singles draws always attract headline talent, and this year is no exception. Novak Djokovic, a multiple US Open champion and one of the sport’s all-time greats, is among the key contenders aiming to add to his staggering tally of Grand Slam titles. Alongside him, stars like Naomi Osaka, a former US Open champion known for her powerful game and resilience, and Serena Williams, a tennis legend with numerous Grand Slam titles under her belt, are also looking to etch their names into history.

Historically, the US Open has been a stage for groundbreaking moments and thrilling rivalries. The tournament dates back to 1881, originally known as the U.S. National Championship, making it one of the oldest tennis competitions in the world. Over the decades, the US Open has evolved significantly — it was the first Grand Slam to introduce tiebreaks in 1970, revolutionizing how matches are decided and adding a new layer of tension and excitement to the sport. The switch from grass to clay courts in 1975, and finally to hard courts in 1978—surfaces that players compete on today—also marked pivotal changes impacting how the game is played.

Moreover, the US Open has been deeply intertwined with social and cultural milestones, particularly in terms of gender equality and diversity. Billie Jean King, after whom the National Tennis Center is named, famously fought gender discrimination and was a key figure in establishing equal prize money for male and female athletes at the tournament starting in 1973 — a landmark achievement in professional sports.

As the competition intensifies on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows, fans should expect a thrilling blend of power, precision, and strategy. The tournament’s atmosphere, fueled by passionate New York crowds, iconic night matches, and the presence of tennis legends past and present, makes it an unparalleled spectacle. Whether it’s the junior showcases, wheelchair tennis, or the main draws featuring the world’s best players, the US Open offers a unique thrill for both casual viewers and tennis aficionados alike.

Tennis has long been described as a “game of inches,” where the smallest margins can determine victory or defeat. This ethos rings especially true at the US Open, where every point counts and every player is at their most determined. As the tournament continues, fans can stay updated with real-time scores, player interviews, and behind-the-scenes content through official websites and social media channels, ensuring they don’t miss a moment of the drama on court.

From its storied past to its bright present, the US Open remains a crown jewel of international tennis, promising yet another chapter filled with fierce competition, groundbreaking performances, and the kind of high-stakes intensity that only tennis’s final Grand Slam of the year can deliver.