How the US Open's Opening Week Makes Tennis More Accessible
Fan Week, the tournament's public lead-in, is when the US Open opens its grounds before the main draw. The final day of Fan Week at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center drew large crowds even with no matches scheduled, according to the WTA's website. Fans could watch Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka practice in Arthur Ashe Stadium and Grandstand. Swiatek noted the challenge and energy of playing in front of thousands.
The tournament fills those opening days with free activities designed to make the sport feel more open. Face painting, a Lavazza lounge, a Lululemon store, a photo booth, and replica trophy displays were all available on the grounds. Isabelle, a first-time attendee from Harlem, told the WTA site it was "a really great community event" with "free things" and "great things to do." For fans who cannot afford Ashe Stadium seats, the week offers access without a ticket.
Practice Becomes the Main Event
Those practice sessions are a big draw. Swiatek and Sabalenka did their work in the main stadiums, and the WTA's website noted that the setting added both difficulty and energy. Practice that usually happens out of view becomes a public attraction, with thousands of spectators watching players go through their final preparations.
Tennis Gets a RedZone of Its Own
The same drive toward accessibility reaches the broadcast. ESPN will debut a RedZone-branded whiparound show during the first six day sessions of the US Open. It will stream on ESPN Unlimited from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. Instead of following one match at a time, the show cuts between courts for break points, set points, and match points. Sports Media Watch reported that this is the first time the RedZone brand has been used beyond the NFL since Disney acquired NFL Media assets.
ESPN senior director John Suchenski said the show is "inspired by what the NFL has done," but it will carry US Open branding and its own color scheme. The format is new to tennis. ESPN's earlier whiparound coverage was more methodical, waiting for natural pauses and full games. The RedZone version moves faster, potentially point to point rather than game to game or match to match. Under its new rights deal, ESPN is no longer the host broadcaster, which gives the network room to experiment with its own offerings.
Front Office Sports reported that the commentator roster will include John McEnroe, Patrick McEnroe, Andy Roddick, and Caroline Wozniacki, with a rotating "traffic cop" host. Scott Hanson will not host; he remains an NFL Media employee.
What That Changes for Fans
The opening week matters because it lowers the barriers around a sport known for them. Fan Week lets people walk into the same grounds where the world's best play, watch elite players prepare, and leave without spending much. The RedZone-style broadcast lowers the time barrier for viewers, compressing hours of tennis into the moments that matter. Neither replaces the full experience. Both make it easier to find.