Us Open Schedule: Key Dates And Match Timings

Navigating the US Open schedule requires understanding how the tournament unfolds across three distinct weeks at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows. Unlike other majors, the final Grand Slam of the tennis season splits action into daytime and evening blocks across multiple stadium courts, making proper planning essential for fans attending in person or watching from home.

The event kicks off with free public events during Fan Week, transitions through intense early-round multi-court chaos, and culminates in high-stakes weekend showcase finals. Knowing when sessions start, how draws progress, and what ticket holders can expect prevents missed matches and logistics confusion.

Fan Week and Qualifying Rounds

Before the official singles main draw begins, the grounds open for US Open Fan Week, offering free admission to the public for practices, exhibition matches, and qualifying rounds.

• Dates: Typically runs Tuesday through Sunday the week before main draw play.
• Qualifying Action: Men's and women's singles qualifying draws feature players fighting for final main-draw spots across outside courts.
• Special Events: Fan week features signature exhibition events, junior spotlight matches, and open practice sessions where fans can watch top seeds up close.

Official tournament ticketing information and daily grounds access details are updated regularly on the US Open Official Website.

Main Draw Round-by-Round Breakdown

Once the main tournament starts, play follows a predictable two-week arc. Each day splits into a Day Session and a Night Session, requiring separate tickets for stadium events.

• First and Second Rounds: Held during the opening four to five days. Court density is at its peak, with dozens of matches happening simultaneously across Arthur Ashe Stadium, Louis Armstrong Stadium, Grandstand, and field courts.
• Third Round and Round of 16: Matches narrow down as elite players establish dominance. Day sessions usually start at 11:00 AM or 12:00 PM Eastern Time, while night sessions lock in at 7:00 PM.
• Quarterfinals: Play compresses over a two-day span, featuring marquee daytime and nighttime slots on the primary show courts.

Championship Weekend Timings

The final days of the tournament shift to exclusive showcase scheduling, giving singles and doubles finals center stage without overlapping court conflicts.

• Women's Semifinals: Scheduled during prime evening windows on the penultimate Thursday.
• Men's Semifinals: Played as a doubleheader block on Friday afternoon and evening.
• Women's Singles Final: Takes place on Saturday afternoon.
• Men's Singles Final: Concludes the tournament on Sunday afternoon.

For broader tennis season context and official governing body rules, you can review details via the International Tennis Federation.

Practical Tips for Following Match Schedules

Match times shift dynamically based on preceding matches on the same court, weather delays, and television broadcast windows.

1. Check the Order of Play Daily: The tournament releases the official next-day schedule late every afternoon once ongoing matches conclude.
2. Account for Weather Delays: Arthur Ashe Stadium features a retractable roof, meaning play continues through rain, while outer courts face suspension and rescheduling.
3. Understand Session Access: A grounds pass grants access to all outer courts and Louis Armstrong Stadium on a first-come, first-served basis, but separate reserved tickets are mandatory for Arthur Ashe Stadium sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time do gates open for day and night sessions?

Gates typically open to ticket holders at 9:30 AM for early-round day sessions, while night session ticket holders can generally enter the grounds starting at 5:00 PM ahead of the 7:00 PM match starts.

Can rain cancel a full day of US Open tennis?

Rain rarely washes out an entire day because Arthur Ashe Stadium has a roof. However, matches scheduled on outer courts without roofs may experience significant delays or get pushed to the following day.

How are night session matches chosen?

Tournament organizers select high-profile singles matches—often featuring American stars, defending champions, or top global seeds—to headline the primetime Arthur Ashe night slot.

Do children need a separate ticket for admission?

Children over a certain age threshold require a full-priced ticket, while infants under the specified age limit may enter for free if they sit on a parent or guardian's lap. Check specific venue policies ahead of purchase.