I walked into my first tennis US Open in 2003 assuming that, like any other pro sports game, I’d be sardined shoulder-to-shoulder with screaming fans doing the wave, while juggling a crusty hot dog and soda. Instead, an air of refined classiness lured me across the threshold at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City’s Flushing Meadows. This wasn’t just about sitting on the sidelines for one match, there was a wonderland to be discovered, from immersive activities and refined food and most impressively, matches on courts all around me, some so close that I felt like I’d knock the ball off course if I sneezed.
The American Grand Slam, currently running through September 7, is one of the sport’s four majors, the top titles that every tennis pro strives for. The year starts with the Australian Open in Melbourne in January, then moves to Roland Garros (also called the French Open) in Paris around Memorial Day, and Wimbledon outside of London around the Fourth of July.
While each Grand Slam bears its own personality, they all exude that magical feeling that’s equal parts thrilling and overwhelming, especially to first-timers who may not realize the massiveness of the tournaments’ grounds and offerings.
So we turned to the insiders, from pro players like No. 4 American Jessica Pegula, International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF) Class of 2025 inductee Maria Sharapova, and four-time Grand Slam semifinalist Tommy Haas to founders of travel tennis tour companies, coaches, concessioners, and more to source the unwritten rules of attending a Grand Slam.
Go early in the tournaments
All the Grand Slams follow a bracket-style elimination, which means there are more matches at the beginning, as players get sent home after they lose. Pegula advises attending earlier in the tournament’s first week. “You get a chance to see a bunch of matches, and usually it’s cheaper and easier,” the World of Hyatt ambassador tells Condé Nast Traveler. She’s even seen her own friends, who may not be the biggest tennis fans, get to know up-and-coming players by catching them early on a small court. “Maybe that person does well and then you have a connection to them and follow them,” she says.
Find ticket deals
Like any event, ticket prices have soared in recent years. During our search this week, we saw US Open grounds passes (that means no access to the main stadiums) ranging for $76 to $140 for weekday day sessions, but over $400 for a weekend on the resale market. While each Slam’s ticket sales operates differently, Nicolas Pereira, a former pro who’s an ATP Council committee member and analyst on Tennis Channel, says that resale tickets are especially expensive in New York, suggesting fans only purchase through the official site. But he also says that at Wimbledon, ticket holders with grounds passes have the chance to purchase returned Show Court seats £10 for No.1 Court and No.2 Court, and £15 for Centre Court. “This is a super cheap way to see the top stars performing on the big show courts, but you may have to queue for sometime to pick these tickets up,” he says.
Plan to be there all day
Haas, who is now tournament director for the BNP Paribas Open in Greater Palm Springs’ Indian Wells Tennis Garden, says that unlike other sports where it’s all about the one big game, fan should instead plan to take “advantage of all that your ticket has to offer.” He suggests getting to the venue right when the gates open, which is usually an hour before matches begin, to check out the practice courts, food, shopping, and all the activities. Even if your ticket is for a stadium seat, Haas says to take time to go to the outside courts, where matches are also being played. “You can get up really close to such a high level of tennis and it’s an amazing thing to see in person.”
Check the weather and prepare for anything
While each Grand Slam venue now has at least one stadium with a retractable roof, much of the grounds are uncovered, so you’re often facing the elements. “Some tournaments have unpredictable conditions,” says Craig Boynton, ATP player coach for Saddlebrook Resort’s Touring Pro Program. “I’ve seen days go from almost snowing to scorching heat. Be ready for anything.” He suggests wearing breathable clothing, admitting that, “if it’s hot, you’re going to sweat—a lot!” Almost every one of our experts emphasizes the importance of hydrating and frequently reapplying sunscreen. Oftentimes there will be a sponsor giving away sunscreen samples, says Claudio Adolfssen, head coach at The Ritz-Carlton Naples Tiburón Mouratoglou Tennis Academy. He prefers to buy water on site since some venues have restrictions on big size and contents.
Make use of public transportation
With tens of thousands attending each day of the Grand Slam, opting for public transit isn’t just efficient, but also can save you time and money. And Emmy-winning actress Uzo Aduba, who played in the ITHF’s inaugural Celebrity Pro Classic, says even the subway transforms into a special experience during matches. “If you’ve never been to the US Open, you must take the 7 Train out there at least once,” she says. “There’s a quiet transfer of energy as it gets closer and closer. Everybody’s excited for one singular reason. It’s like adult Disney World.” The same spirit continues on the return trip too. “You’re hearing all the conversations and the cacophony of energy just surrounding it,” Aduba says.
Understand the personality of each Grand Slam
Yes, they’re all bracket-style tournaments played over 15 days, except for Wimbledon, which is 14. While the obvious difference is that the UK one is played on grass, French on red clay, and the other two on hard courts, there’s also an unspoken distinct vibe at each. Aduba, who has been to all but Australia calls Wimbledon the first-born, where the formalities include the players all dressing in white. “It would be a mistake to come in your workwear to the All England,” she tells CNT. The Residence star calls Roland Garros “the parent-ified second child” since it’s “quiet fun” because “you can see and feel the work in the sense that the clay is unforgiving—there’s a sort of grit required that translates to the spirit of the French Open.” Her keen analogy ranks the US Open as “the rambunctious middle child” and “Australia is the last born who just does whatever they want.”
Here’s how to dress in your tennis best while staying cool in the late-summer heat.
Dress accordingly
“Smart casual probably sums it up,” Pereira says. For the US Open, he suggests men wear Bermuda shorts and polos or breathable linen button downs during the day, with chinos and short sleeves shirts at night, while women might want to opt for shorts or skirts with short-sleeve blouses for the day, with comfy linen is always a winner. No matter what, always bring layers for the night sessions: “If a match goes on late into the evening, it can get chilly.”
Determine your goals for the day
Tennis may be the draw, but there are so many ways to take in a Grand Slam. “It’s important to reflect and know what you actually want to get out of your experience at the Slam,” says Kyle Ross, who runs Grand Slam Tennis Tours, offering packages to all the majors. He says to consider whether you prioritize a great seat in the main stadium, or prefer to be more agile and hop around the small courts. Also, would you rather see a big name “destroy” someone in the early rounds, or a more competitive match-up in the second week? And be honest: are you there for the tennis or for the vibes. There’s nothing wrong with either, but knowing your goals will help focus once you get there, and avoid disappointment.
Plot out your schedule, but be ready to pivot
Each round typically takes two days (or, now, three days for Round 1 for tournaments that are 15 days long), which means players only hit the court every other day. “It’s important to remember when buying tickets far in advance, it can be hard to predict what day your favorite player will be scheduled,” Adolfssen says. He says schedules typically get released the night before, and to check early and decide which matches you don’t want to miss in order to “map out your own perfect schedule and day of watching tennis.”
https://www.cntraveler.com/story/the-golden-rules-of-attending-a-tennis-grand-slam