US Open 101: Your Guide to the Game

If you’ve been watching or playing Tennis for any amount of time, chances are you’ve heard of the U.S. Open. Held annually, starting on the last Monday in August, this […]

If you’ve been watching or playing Tennis for any amount of time, chances are you’ve heard of the U.S. Open. Held annually, starting on the last Monday in August, this hard-court tournament kicks off today. You may not be entirely educated on the game of tennis or the big tournaments that fans of the sport look forward to watching each year, but if you are finding yourself increasingly invested in the game, now is the perfect time to learn more.

What is the U.S. Open?

The U.S. Open is the final of four major tournaments that make up Tennis’s annual Grand Slam. The Australian Open, French Open, and the Wimbledon Championships, make up the other three. Held over a two-week period at the end of August, the tournaments take place at the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, Queens New York on acrylic hard courts.

Photo via Archinect

Comprised of five championships in the categories of men’s singles and doubles, women’s singles and doubles and mixed doubles, the U.S. Open is unique in that it uses tiebreakers in deciding sets. Typically competitors will continue to play until one side has won by two games.

In addition to the five aforementioned categories, there are now additional tournaments for senior, junior, and wheelchair players of tennis.

The History 

The U.S. Open evolved out of the U.S. National Championship, which was established in 1881 as a national men’s singles and doubles competition. Initially, the event was only open to members of the USTA (then referred to as the U.S. National Lawn Tennis Association). In 1887 it expanded to include women’s singles and then in 1889 it included women’s doubles. The mixed doubles competition was added in 1892.

Prior to 1968, the five championships were held at separate locations. That year they finally found a common playing ground at the West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills, Queens New York and became known as the U.S. Open. Over the years the tournaments have been held on a variety of surfaces including grass, clay and DecoTurf. The court surfaces are currently made of a hard acrylic layer over a concrete or asphalt base.

Who to Look Out For

If your tennis buddies are getting geared up for the U.S. Open, eager to root for their favorite competitors, and you feel like you are in the dark regarding who’s who, we’ve got the run down on who to keep your eye on.

Wimbledon men’s champion Novak Djokovic is being given the best odds for the win this year, but don’t take your eye off of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, or Alexander Zverev – all look promising.

Women’s runner up Serena Williams is also favored to win, but Simona Halep, Angelique Kerber, Sloane Stephens, and Garbine Muguruze could surprise.

Sloane Stephens at 2017 Citi Open

If you really want to impress your tennis buddies or just want a fun activity to do with the kids. Take some time to look up your favorite players and get acquainted with their unique tennis story. It will make following the games all that more interesting, and chances are, these are players that will come up again and again in the future. They also make great mentors for your young athletes.

Follow along with all US Open live score updates here!

Liability Waiver

Waiver of Responsibility Medical Release

I hereby consent to emergency medical and/or hospital service that may be rendered by or at accredited hospitals, by appointed physicians, in the event such need arises in the opinion of the duly licensed physician.

Waiver and Indemnity Agreement

Acceptance of my entry in these events is without responsibility of any kind by the USTA/Pacific Northwest Section (USTA/PNW) and any other entity sponsoring the event. I do hereby for and on behalf of myself and my heirs and legal representatives RELEASE and forever discharge the USTA/PNW, its officers and representatives, from any and all claims, demands, and injuries, howsoever arising, whether caused by the negligent or intentional acts of the USTA/PNW and its representatives, representatives of other sponsoring entities, or by third parties, which injuries may be in any way related to my activities during the tournament and any period traveling to or from the events described, and all such claims are hereby WAIVED AND RELEASED, and I covenant not to sue therefore. The parent or guardian by signing below, does hereby agree to INDEMNIFY and hold harmless the USTA/PNW Section and its representatives and the sponsoring entity from any liability which they may incur to the entrant, howsoever arising and whether caused by the negligent or intentional acts of the USTA/PNW, its representatives, or the sponsoring body. I also give USTA/PNW permission to create a USTA account for myself and everyone in my party who is participating in the event.

Publicity Release

I agree to be filmed and photographed by The United States Tennis Association (“USTA”) in connection with such participation and that the USTA will own any and all rights in such film and photography of me (hereinafter referred to as “Footage”). This will permit the USTA to proceed with taking such Footage and I now waive, as to the USTA and its successors, assigns and licensees, all personal right and objections to any use to be made of me, my name, likeness, voice or personality in connection with the use of the Footage in any media for any and all purposes, including trade, advertising and promotional purposes, in perpetuity and without further compensation. I understand that in proceeding with filming and photography of the Footage, the USTA will do so in full reliance on the foregoing permission.

COVID-19 Waiver

By checking the box below you agree that you can currently answer no to the following questions: 1. In the last 14 days, have you experienced COVID-19 symptoms? Symptoms include: cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, or at least two of these symptoms: (a) fever of 100.4 or over; (b) chills: (c) repeated shaking with chills; (d) muscle pain; (e) headaches; (f) sore throat; and (g) new loss of taste or smell? 2. In the last 14 days, have you tested positive for COVID-19? If you’ve tested positive, but subsequently tested negative for COVID-19 twice in a row, 24 hours apart, have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication, and other symptoms have resolved, then you can answer “no” 3. Have you been exposed to any individual who has symptoms of or has tested positive for COVID-19 and/or traveled to any known hot-spots for COVID-19? Exposure means a household member, intimate partner, or other individuals in prolonged close contact (within 6 feet for more than 10 consecutive minutes).

Additional Waiver of Claims

Players, participants, and any spectators or individuals that are participating in USTA and USTA PNW tournaments, programs, activities or events, acknowledge the risks associated with tennis, accept those risks voluntarily, and in consideration of their acceptance in the USTA and USTA PNW tournaments, programs, activities or events, assume all loss or damage, and any claim or demand therefore on account of injury and/or exposure to infectious syndromes or diseases to the person or property or resulting in illness and/or death arising out of or related to their participation, whether caused by negligence or otherwise. By participating or attending a tournament, program, activity or event, the players, participants, and any spectators assume all risks whether known or unknown. Furthermore, players, participants, and spectators agree to hold harmless the USTA, USTA PNW, and the host facility, their officials, (Released Parties) and the Released Parties employees and agents with respect to any injury or loss caused by negligence or otherwise to the fullest extent permitted by law.

I have read and understand the foregoing releases and indemnity agreement I am aware that this is a release of liability and a contract and I sign it of my own free will.