U.S. Open 2023: A Record-Breaking Championship Weekend

The Excitement of the U.S. Open: A Weekend of Championship Matches

This weekend, the U.S. Open will culminate in thrilling championship matches featuring top players Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka, followed by Jannik Sinner and Taylor Fritz. As the tournament wraps up its impressive 144th edition, it has garnered significant attention, with expectations to attract over a million fans for the first time in its history. The event is also set to sell an astonishing $10 million worth of its signature Honey Deuce cocktails and boasts the largest prize pool ever offered.

However, the remarkable success of the U.S. Open shines a spotlight on the ongoing challenges that professional tennis faces throughout the year. The sport has been plagued by complex scheduling issues and late start times, which not only exhaust players but also perplex fans. As private equity firms and sovereign wealth funds show increasing interest in investing in tennis, the critical question remains: can the sport reform itself effectively?

In an insightful conversation, DealBook’s Lauren Hirsch spoke with Lew Sherr, the chief executive of the United States Tennis Association (USTA), regarding the strategies tennis plans to implement to tackle these challenges. The following is a condensed and edited version of their interview.

What factors contribute to the remarkable surge in attendance at the U.S. Open, aside from the overall growth of tennis as a sport?

The increase in attendance can be attributed in large part to our investment in “fan week,” a special period prior to the main draw when top players come to practice. This year, we welcomed an impressive 216,000 fans through our gates during this week, which was free of charge. In contrast, last year, we drew fewer than 160,000 fans during the same period.

Historically, we had concerns that investing in such programming might detract from ticket sales during the first week of the tournament. However, the results have proven otherwise. As we approach the renewal of our long-term partnerships, it’s evident that the growth from 700,000 fans to over a million has significantly increased the value of those partnerships.

With celebrities like Alicia Keys, Tony Goldwyn, and Simone Biles making appearances in Arthur Ashe Stadium, has there been any additional effort to attract celebrities to the U.S. Open in recent years?

Indeed, the presence of celebrities has been more pronounced, especially following a spectacular Olympics that showcased athletes and stars alike. We have made concerted efforts to engage with and invite high-profile figures to attend the U.S. Open, enhancing the overall atmosphere and visibility of the tournament.