Us Open 2026 Schedule: Dates, Matches, And Itinerary

The 2026 US Open tennis tournament took place from August 23 to September 13, 2026, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York. Following the tournament format introduced the previous year, the main singles draw kicked off on Sunday, August 30, extending the fortnight into a 15-day marquee event. Fan Week opened on August 23, featuring qualifying rounds, Arthur Ashe Kids' Day, and the high-stakes mixed doubles championship.

Navigating the sprawling grounds of Flushing Meadows requires a clear plan. Whether you're tracking session times, planning match-day logistics, or reviewing how the tournament unfolded across Arthur Ashe Stadium and Louis Armstrong Stadium, understanding the event structure helps you master the schedule.

Tournament Timeline and Key Session Dates

The tournament schedule is divided into distinct phases, moving from open Fan Week events to fierce championship weekends.

• Fan Week and Qualifying: August 23 – August 29
• Main Singles Draw Start: Sunday, August 30
• First Week Rounds: August 30 – September 5
• Second Week and Quarterfinals: September 6 – September 9
• Singles Semifinals: September 10 – September 11
• Women's Singles Final: Saturday, September 12
• Men's Singles Final: Sunday, September 13

Day sessions throughout the opening rounds traditionally begin at 11:00 AM EDT, while night sessions under the lights on Arthur Ashe Stadium get underway at 7:00 PM EDT.

Detailed Round-by-Round Itinerary

Planning a trip or following the progression requires knowing when specific rounds hit the courts. The Official US Open Site outlines the standard progression format utilized during the tournament.

• First Round: Sunday, August 30 through Tuesday, September 1. Play begins across all outer courts and main arenas as 128 players enter the singles draws.
• Second Round: Wednesday, September 2 and Thursday, September 3. The fields narrow, and outer court congestion starts to clear out.
• Third Round: Friday, September 4 and Saturday, September 5. Seeds face tougher challengers, and weekend crowds pack the grounds.
• Fourth Round (Round of 16): Sunday, September 6 and Monday, September 7. Action concentrates heavily on the main stadium courts.
• Quarterfinals: Tuesday, September 8 and Wednesday, September 9. Sessions split into high-profile day and night slots.
• Semifinals: Thursday, September 10 (Women's Semifinals) and Friday, September 11 (Men's Semifinals).

Championship Weekend Showdowns

The final stretch of the tournament brings the world's best players to center stage for the sport's ultimate prizes.

• Women's Doubles Final: Friday, September 11
• Men's Doubles Final: Saturday, September 12
• Women's Singles Final: Saturday, September 12
• Men's Singles Final: Sunday, September 13

Alexander Zverev triumphed in a grueling men's singles final battle against Ben Shelton on September 14, while Elena Rybakina claimed the women's singles crown by defeating Aryna Sabalenka in a hard-fought three-set final on September 13.

Logistics and Spectator Tips

Attending a Grand Slam event in New York City requires preparation to avoid common logistical hurdles.

• Bag Policies: Large backpacks and oversized luggage aren't allowed inside the security gates. Stick to small, approved tote bags to speed up entry.
• Transportation: Skip driving and parking challenges by taking the MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) from Penn Station or Grand Central to the Mets-Willets Point station, just a short walk from the gates.
• Session Tickets: Day session tickets grant access to outer courts where you can watch top players practice up close, whereas evening tickets guarantee entry only to the specific stadium printed on your pass.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time do gates open for US Open sessions?

Gates typically open at 10:00 AM EDT for day sessions and 5:30 PM EDT for evening sessions, giving fans ample time to find their seats and explore the grounds before play begins.

Can I bring food and water into Flushing Meadows?

Yes, sealed plastic water bottles under a certain size limit are permitted, along with light snacks. Metal containers and alcoholic beverages aren't allowed through security checkpoints.

What happens if a match is rained out?

Matches scheduled on Arthur Ashe Stadium feature a retractable roof, ensuring play continues during rain delays. Outer courts lack roofs, which can cause scheduling postponements and backlog matches to subsequent days.