US Open: New York City – How they stand apart from other Grand Slams?

The US Open is sometimes seen in tennis circles with somewhat unfavorable eyes. While it certainly doesn’t lack prestige, its placement in the calendar year as the final Grand Slam brings some fatigue, given it is generally the season-ending Slam. 

However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t things to love about the US Open; far from it. One could argue that it is played in New York City, giving it a unique feel. 

For one, the atmosphere at the Grand Slam is unique in itself. American tennis fans, like sports fans in the country in general, believe in being loud and letting athletes know how it is they feel. 

This isn’t always appreciated in tennis – hence why, in specific stadiums, fans take it upon themselves to shut down any hecklers. 

But it does give the US Open a unique feeling as far as the crowd is concerned – and that is always a good thing, as each Grand Slam should ideally have its unique selling points. 

What’s more, not only does the crowd like to make its feelings known, but the US Open is home to the largest tennis stadium in the world – the Arthur Ashe Stadium in the heart of the city. 

With a capacity of over 23,000, it well and truly creates an atmosphere like no other. What’s more, the sheer size of the stadium doesn’t distract from the spectacle at hand; in fact, it enhances one’s enjoyment of the game. 

And, of course, it wouldn’t be an American Grand Slam without a little Americanisation. And, true to form, the US Open is the only Slam where fans can witness an opening ceremony. 

This is one of the things truly unique to the American Grand Slam, and no other major tournament in the world employs this tactic. But it is a tried and tested thing in American sports, so it stays on. 

What’s more, Americanisation doesn’t end there. Being outside of the stadiums in New York means you are exposed to some of the best street food available in the city.

That is because hot dogs, hamburgers, waffles and anything else imaginable are sold outside the stadium in street food trucks. 

There are also drinks available for fans, as well as sponsor events that take place. This is something you won’t see in a hurry in any other Grand Slam. 

Then there’s also an essential tennis rule that has long been a sticking point among fans. The US Open is the only Grand Slam in the world that plays a standard 12-point tiebreak in every match – even the decisive one. 

This has begun to change in other Grand Slams, but having the same standardized format across sets certainly makes the US Open easier to watch for fans than others. 

All in all, the US Open has a lot of endearing points that make it stand apart from the other major Grand Slams on the calendar. And tennis fans wouldn’t have it any other way.