The 2024 US Open proved to be a landmark event, setting new records and creating firsts that solidified its position as a premier sports and entertainment spectacle. This year, the tournament didn’t just showcase world-class tennis, it celebrated the sport’s power and appeal like never before. With over one million fans in attendance and billions engaging across social media, the US Open continues to captivate global audiences while promoting the message that tennis is the healthiest sport in the world.
Record-breaking attendance and sold-out sessions
The 2024 US Open became the first in history to surpass one million attendees. A staggering 1,048,669 fans poured into the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, an 8% increase from 2023. Both Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong Stadiums experienced completely sold-out sessions, demonstrating the immense popularity of the tournament. Fan Week also saw impressive growth, with a 37% increase in attendance as over 216,000 people participated in free activities and signature events.
Historic champion performances
On the court, this year’s champions made history. Aryna Sabalenka secured her first US Open title and her third Grand Slam overall, becoming one of only five women in the Open Era to win both hardcourt Grand Slams in a single season. On the men’s side, Jannik Sinner emerged victorious, making history as the first Italian man to win the US Open singles title and the third man in the Open Era to claim his first two Grand Slam titles in the same season.
This year also marked the first time since 2002 that both the men’s and women’s singles finals featured American players, with Taylor Fritz and Jessica Pegula reaching the finals. Semifinalists Emma Navarro and Frances Tiafoe also made this the first Grand Slam to feature two American men’s and women’s singles semifinalists since the 2003 US Open.
Lyudmyla Kichenok delayed her wedding to secure the women’s doubles title alongside Jelena Ostapenko, while the Australian duo Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson claimed their first men’s doubles championship together. In the mixed doubles, Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori triumphed over American wildcards Taylor Townsend and Donald Young, who made an inspiring run to the final in what was Young’s farewell appearance before retirement.
Inaugural events and fan engagement
The US Open introduced its inaugural Finals Fan Fest and Afterparty on the days of the women’s and men’s singles finals, adding $25 grounds access to viewing parties in Louis Armstrong Stadium and the Fountain Plaza on both days. Louis Armstrong Stadium was transformed into a concert venue, with Grammy-nominated Galantis headlining the inaugural Afterparty. The tournament’s social media reach also hit new heights, surpassing 2.3 billion total engagements, a 39% increase over last year.
Growing the game and championing diversity
The US Open continues to promote the sport at the grassroots level. Through the USTA Foundation, more than $2.2 million was raised to support community organizations nationwide. Nearly 1,500 children from diverse backgrounds had the chance to step onto the courts in front of fans. The tournament also amplified its commitment to diversity through the ‘Be Open’ campaign, celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander culture, Latine heritage, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), while also supporting LGBTQ+ pride and military appreciation.
The US Open also hosted its second annual US Open Champions of Equality event, honoring award-winning television creator, producer and author Shonda Rhimes with the Billie Jean King US Open Champion of Equality award.
Food, beverage, and merchandise sales soar
Beyond tennis, the 2024 US Open saw remarkable growth in its commercial success. Food and beverage sales increased by 14%, with a record-breaking 556,782 Honey Deuce cocktails sold. Merchandise sales also skyrocketed by 20% compared to last year, as fans were eager to take home memorabilia from this historic event.
A bright future for the US Open
With its record-breaking attendance, historic player achievements, and wide-reaching digital engagement, the 2024 US Open has once again proven why it is one of the world’s top sporting events. As the USTA looks ahead with a renewed long-term deal with ESPN and a growing commitment to inclusivity and diversity, the future of the US Open looks brighter than ever.
This year’s tournament wasn’t just about tennis – it was about setting new standards and breaking boundaries, proving once again that tennis is more than a sport.
Where does all the money go? The slams should pay the top 400 men and women players $50,000 each. All air should be paid by them and not the players.
Instead of the players, the tennis organizations use the profits for themselves. Time to have a strong player union.