August 21, 2026

The U.S. Open is back in Queens, and with it comes one of the city’s most electric late-summer traditions — packed courts, a sea of tennis whites, and the return of the Honey Deuce cocktail to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Now in its 145th year, the 2026 tournament runs from August 23 through September 13, drawing the world’s top players and hundreds of thousands of spectators to Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

Quick Answer: The 2026 U.S. Open takes place August 23 through September 13 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens. Qualifying rounds are free to watch during Fan Week (Aug. 23-27). Main draw singles begin August 30, with the women’s final on September 12 and the men’s final on September 13.

When and Where Is the 2026 U.S. Open?

The tournament is held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens — the same site that has hosted the Open since 1978. The venue is accessible via the 7 train to Mets-Willets Point, making it a straightforward ride from Midtown and the Upper East Side.

What Is the 2026 Schedule?

The Open opens with qualifying rounds beginning August 23. Those matches are free to watch as part of Fan Week, a beloved city tradition that gives New Yorkers access to world-class tennis at no cost. Qualifying wraps up August 27, and the main draw begins August 30.

From there, the tournament progresses through singles, doubles, and wheelchair competition. Finals week begins September 8. The women’s singles final is scheduled for September 12, and the men’s singles final closes out the tournament on September 13.

Who Is Playing?

The 2026 field includes many of the sport’s biggest names. On the women’s side, Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Elena Rybakina headline the draw. The men’s side features reigning champions Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, along with Novak Djokovic.

How Much Do Tickets Cost?

Ticket prices vary widely depending on the session and court. Grounds passes for early rounds are available at more accessible price points, while premium sessions — particularly night matches on Arthur Ashe Stadium — can run into the hundreds of dollars. Fan Week qualifying rounds are free to the public, no ticket required, and remain one of the best free sporting events the city offers each summer.

The Honey Deuce and Other Open Traditions

No U.S. Open guide is complete without mentioning the Honey Deuce — the tournament’s signature cocktail made with vodka, lemonade, and raspberry liqueur, garnished with melon balls shaped like tennis balls. It has become as much a part of the Open experience as the tennis itself. Alongside the matches, the tournament also draws food vendors, sponsor activations, and evening concerts that extend well beyond the baseline.

Why This Matters for NYC Real Estate

Every August, the U.S. Open reminds us why New York City remains in a class of its own. Events of this scale — drawing global visitors, media, and spending to Queens for three weeks — reinforce the city’s position as one of the world’s great cultural and economic hubs. For our clients considering the broader New York metro area, neighborhoods with easy access to Flushing Meadows, or simply the energy and vibrancy the city sustains year-round, the Open is a timely reminder of why demand for New York real estate holds up even in shifting markets. We love watching the city come alive for this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the U.S. Open free to attend?

Fan Week qualifying rounds (August 23-27) are free for the public. Main draw sessions require tickets, which range from affordable grounds passes to several hundred dollars for premium night matches on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

How do I get to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center?

Take the 7 train to Mets-Willets Point. The tennis center is a short walk from the station inside Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens.

When are the 2026 U.S. Open finals?

The women’s singles final is September 12 and the men’s singles final is September 13, 2026.

Who are the top players to watch at the 2026 U.S. Open?

Key names include Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Elena Rybakina in the women’s draw, and Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Novak Djokovic in the men’s draw.

What is the Honey Deuce?

The Honey Deuce is the official cocktail of the U.S. Open, made with vodka, lemonade, and raspberry liqueur, garnished with honeydew melon balls. It has been a tournament staple for years and is available throughout the grounds.

---

This post is based on reporting by The New York Times. Original article: nytimes.com. Source content from the Stacey Froelich Team’s Need to Know newsletter, August 19, 2026.