The U.S. Open begins play today in N.Y., marking the tournament's 50th anniversary under the Open format and 40th year in Flushing Meadows. The event will "celebrate the milestone with tributes, including a photo exhibit of its first Open champion, Arthur Ashe, on the grounds" (WASHINGTON POST, 8/26). This year's event is also noteworthy for the "serve clocks that will make their Grand Slam debut." Reviews of the 25-second clocks from players "so far have mostly been positive or indifferent" (AP, 8/27). The newly renovated Louis Armstrong Stadium "showcases a modern take on a classic, intimate tennis venue" originally built in '64. National Tennis Center COO Danny Zausner: “This is the last leg of this transformation, with the big goals being more open space, fan amenities, shade and an improved experience” (TENNIS.com, 8/24).
Thousands of fans "milled about the grounds" of Billie Jean King National Tennis Center yesterday for the tourney's final practice day, which "culminated a series of weeklong free events." Fans were "catching top players practicing under the hot sun and experiencing the U.S. Open atmosphere" (NEWSDAY, 8/27).
Rolex runs a full-age ad in the N.Y. Times depicting Arthur Ashe Stadium and previous U.S. Open winners Roger Federer, Sloane Stephens, Juan Martin del Potro and Angelique Kerber: "Rolex And The U.S. Open. Making History Together" (THE DAILY).
