Tennis is having a moment right now, thanks to some of the most charismatic and talented rising stars in all of sports, and, obviously, Challengers.

This energy is gearing up to make the 2025 US Open one of the most exciting in recent memory. The official roster of players won’t be released until a few weeks before the championship in late August, but chances are you can expect to see tennis greats such as Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic and Coco Gauff face off for the title. 

And here’s one of the best parts of the US Open: it’s in New York City. After a day of knocking back Honey Deuces and watching the greats, you can enjoy all the city has to offer. It’s the perfect vacation.

What to Know About the US Open

A Brief History

One of the oldest tennis championships in the world, the US Open was first held in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1881. Back then it was called the U.S. National Championships, open exclusively to white, male, amateur players. As interest grew in the sport, the Championships moved to higher-profile New York City, setting down roots at the West Side Tennis Club in 1915.

By then, the Championships included women's tournaments, though people of color wouldn't be allowed to participate until 1950. Seven years after that, in 1957, Althea Gibson became the first African American to win the US Open, and the first Black woman to win a Grand Slam title.

However, professional players remained barred until 1968. That year, the tournament officially opened play to professionals for the first time, rebranding as the US Open. Since then, it’s become one of the most significant sporting events in the world, drawing nearly 700,000 visitors each year.

Historical Moments

Arthur Ashe Wins the First US Open (1968)

1968 was a significant year in the Civil Rights Movement, marked by the passage of the Fair Housing Act and later the assassination of Reverend Martin Luther King.

It was also an important year for tennis, the first when professional tennis players were allowed to compete in the US Open. The victory of Arthur Ashe that year, the first African American man to win a Grand Slam, stands as one of the tournament’s most poignant moments, and an important event in American history.

McEnroe vs. Borg (1980)

One of the oldest tennis championships in the world, the US Open was first held in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1881. Back then it was called the U.S. National Championships, open exclusively to white, male, amateur players. As interest grew in the sport, the Championships moved to higher-profile New York City, setting down roots at the West Side Tennis Club in 1915.

The Debut of Serena Williams (1999)

Serena Williams was only 17 when she won her first Grand Slam title at the US Open in 1999, shocking competitors with a power and preciseness far beyond her years. From there, Williams would reinvent the sport, going on to win five more US Opens before she retired in 2022.

Going to the U.S. Open

The 2025 US Open will take place from August 25-September 7, at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. The home of the US Open since 1978, this sprawling Queens facility boasts 22 match courts, including four major stadiums. 

Buying Tickets

US Open ticketing is a little complicated, thanks to the venue’s unique layout and the large number of players competing at a given time, with dozens of matches taking place concurrently each day. 

There are two ways two different ticket options:

Day Session

A day session gets you entrance into the center’s Grandstand area, where all the outdoor courts are located. While most major matches are played in one of the center’s four venue’s stadiums, in the early weeks of the tournament you can still expect to see huge and up-and-coming stars playing their early-seed matches on the outdoor courts. 

Starting at $199 per day, this is the most affordable way to see a ton of matches up-close-and-personal, though there are drawbacks. Seating is limited and unreserved, with just a few bleachers for each court.

Stadium Ticket

For about $100-$400 more, you can reserve a day or night seat at one of the center’s four stadiums, where most of the Open’s biggest matches are played. The final roster of players isn’t released until about a week before the US Open, so you won’t know who will be playing before you buy tickets. Each session includes about 3-4 matches, however, chances are you’ll see some stars.

Getting There

The Billie Jean King Center is located in Flushing, Queens, a vibrant, residential borough in New York City. There are a few ways to get there from Manhattan.

Car 

The Billie Jean King National Tennis Center is a 30-35 minute drive from most parts of Manhattan, about $45 taxi ride. You can also drive there, with all-day parking starting at $37.

Subway

The Center is conveniently located right next to the 7 train subway station, making it an easy trip from many parts of the city. If you’re staying in Manhattan you should be able to get to the Center with little to no subway transfers, all for $3.25 each way. Affordability does come with a longer run time though: by subway, the Center is anywhere from 50 minutes to an hour and a half from Manhattan.

Where to Stay

While there are plenty of name brand hotels to choose from close to the Billie Jean King Center, its residential Queens neighborhood isn’t the best place for enjoying all that New York City has to offer. Opt instead for one of these hotels in Manhattan or Brooklyn, that provide the full New York experience, but are all less than an hour subway from the Center.

1. Sonder the Industrialist $

Nestled in the heart of Gowanus, Brooklyn, Sonder the Industrialist blends minimalist design with the neighborhood’s industrial-chic vibe, offering a serene escape from Manhattan's hustle. The hotel's straightforward, app-driven approach ensures a seamless stay, allowing guests to book, check in, and access amenities or support with ease. Rooms are sleek yet functional, reflecting the creative spirit of the area, with a focus on comfort and authenticity. Starting at $126 for a double during the US Open 2025, it's a budget-friendly choice for those seeking a stylish retreat. Its location in Gowanus also places guests within walking distance of vibrant art galleries, trendy bars, and some of Brooklyn’s best dining spots.

1. The Nolitan $$

The Nolitan boasts an enviable location on one of downtown Manhattan's most vibrant corners, placing you within arm's reach of Soho’s boutiques, Little Italy's culinary gems, and Nolita’s charming streets. This boutique hotel marries modern aesthetics with cozy intimacy, offering well-appointed rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase stunning city views. While the rooms may lean on the smaller side, the hotel's inviting communal spaces and proximity to top attractions more than compensate. At a starting price of $217 for a double, it’s an excellent mid-range option for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the city’s cultural and culinary hotspots. The Nolitan is perfect for those who value location, design, and a touch of urban sophistication.

1. The Ludlow Hotel $$$

An iconic fixture on the Lower East Side, The Ludlow Hotel exudes charm and sophistication, blending industrial elegance with a residential feel. Its rooms feature warm tones, vintage-inspired furnishings, and oversized windows that offer sweeping views of the city skyline. The hotel’s restaurant, Dirty French, helmed by acclaimed restaurateur Mario Carbone, is a destination in itself, serving modern French cuisine in a lively setting. Starting at $343 for a double, The Ludlow appeals to discerning travelers who appreciate thoughtful design, elevated dining, and a location steeped in downtown Manhattan’s creative energy. The neighborhood's eclectic mix of galleries, music venues, and historic sites makes it an ideal base for exploration.

1. The Lowell $$$$

The Lowell on the Upper East Side epitomizes refined luxury, offering an unparalleled experience of old-world charm blended with modern amenities. This family-owned hotel is renowned for its impeccable service, individually designed suites, and cozy fireplaces that create a residential feel. Just steps from Central Park, it’s an oasis of tranquility amidst the city’s bustle, ideal for guests seeking privacy and elegance. Starting at $900 for a king room, it caters to travelers who value exclusivity, with thoughtful touches like in-room dining from its Michelin-starred restaurant, Majorelle. The Lowell is a destination in itself, embodying timeless sophistication in one of New York City’s most coveted neighborhoods.

Whether you’re a tennis obsessive or novice, the 2025 US Open is slated to be one of the most exciting tennis championships in recent memory. And while it’s not until August, if you’re interested in going, it’s best to plan now. Tickets sell out quickly, especially for the most-indemand sessions in the second week of the tournament.