US Open 2025 | How a National Championship Became a Certified Icon

The US Open Tennis Championships, one of the sport’s most storied tournaments, traces its origins back to 1881. Initially known as the U.S. National Championships, the event began as a men’s singles competition on grass courts at the Newport Casino in Rhode Island—now the site of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Over more than a century, it has evolved into one of the world’s most prominent tennis events, marked by legendary champions, historic milestones, and a rich competitive tradition.

Origins and Early Expansion

The tournament was first organized by the United States National Lawn Tennis Association to establish a formal national competition for American men. In 1887, women’s singles were introduced, with 17-year-old Ellen Hansell winning the inaugural title. By 1892, the event had expanded to include men’s and women’s doubles and mixed doubles, making it a comprehensive showcase of the sport.

In its early decades, the championship was held at various venues before finding a semi-permanent home in 1915 at the West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills, Queens, New York. The move to New York was strategic—Queens was becoming a central hub for tennis in the U.S., and the large population and media access of New York City made it an ideal setting to build the tournament’s stature.

Decades of Dominance and Change

Throughout the 1920s, the US Championships featured dominant players like Bill Tilden and Helen Wills Moody, who helped elevate the tournament’s international reputation. In the following decades, stars like Pancho Gonzales and Althea Gibson carried the legacy forward. Gibson’s 1957 title made her the first Black woman to win the tournament, paving the way for future generations.

The most transformative change came in 1968 when the Open Era began—professionals were allowed to compete alongside amateurs. The tournament was renamed the US Open, marking a new chapter of inclusivity and competitiveness. That year, Arthur Ashe captured hearts by becoming the first Black man to win the men’s title, defeating Tom Okker in an intense five-set final.

Innovations and Milestones

In the decades that followed, the US Open became a leader in modernizing tennis. In 1970, it was the first Grand Slam to introduce the tiebreak, changing the nature of close-set tennis forever. Three years later, it became the first to offer equal prize money to men and women—a defining moment in the history of sports equality.

From 1975 to 1977, the tournament was played on Har-Tru clay instead of grass to slow down play and improve visibility for fans and television audiences. However, the biggest shift came in 1978 when the event moved from Forest Hills to its current home: the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, Queens. The move was driven by the need for a larger, more modern venue to accommodate a growing audience and rising global interest. The surface also changed to DecoTurf, a hard court material designed for consistent bounce and durability.

This site was renamed in 2006 as the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in honor of King’s contributions to the sport and gender equality. The centerpiece, Arthur Ashe Stadium, opened in 1997 as the largest tennis stadium in the world. A retractable roof was added in 2016, eliminating the rain delays that had plagued the tournament in past decades.

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Why the US Open Happens in Late August

The tournament’s late August to early September slot is strategically chosen. It serves as the final Grand Slam of the tennis calendar, following the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon. This placement gives players a full summer season to peak in form. The timing also coincides with the end of the American summer, allowing the US Open to benefit from school vacations and increased tourism in New York. The choice of New York, particularly Flushing Meadows, was also influenced by its accessibility, cultural diversity, and the city’s longstanding enthusiasm for sports.

Defining Matches and Rivalries

The US Open has hosted some of the most memorable moments in tennis history. Arthur Ashe’s 1968 victory remains a cultural milestone. In 2001, Venus and Serena Williams made history as the first sisters to meet in a Grand Slam final in the Open Era, with Venus taking the crown.

Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi’s rivalry hit its peak with their epic 2001 quarterfinal, featuring four consecutive tiebreak sets. Jimmy Connors’ 1991 comeback win over Aaron Krickstein at age 39 became one of the most iconic matches in US Open history. In recent memory, Novak Djokovic’s 2011 five-set victory over Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s 2018 late-night thriller against Dominic Thiem have joined the tournament’s most celebrated contests.

Champions Who Shaped the Open

Billie Jean King, Chris Evert, and Martina Navratilova each left a lasting mark on the tournament. Evert’s six titles tie her with Serena Williams for most US Open wins in the Open Era. On the men’s side, Jimmy Connors, Pete Sampras, and Roger Federer each claimed five titles, dominating different eras.

Upsets have always been a part of the US Open’s drama. Andre Agassi’s 1994 title run as an unseeded player and Bianca Andreescu’s 2019 triumph as a teenage newcomer highlight the depth and unpredictability of the competition.

A Legacy of Excellence

From its 19th-century roots in Newport to its 21st-century presence in New York, the US Open has grown into one of the most respected events in global tennis. It remains the only Grand Slam to have been held every year since its founding—even during world wars—demonstrating the tournament’s resilience and significance. Year after year, it continues to celebrate not only champions but also the remarkable stories that define the sport.