Postcard from NYC

New York City is a global hub of commerce, entertainment, culture, and of course, tennis. The introduction of lawn tennis to Long Island in 1874 added a new dimension to the city's vibrancy. The United States National Lawn Tennis Association (now the USTA) held its first U.S. National Singles Championships in Newport, Rhode Island, in August 1881. These championships moved across the Eastern U.S. until 1915 when they settled in Forest Hills. The West Side Tennis Club built Forest Hills Stadium in 1923, which served as the championship's venue until the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center opened in 1978.

The US Open is the last of the four Grand Slam tournaments of the year. In 2026, the main draw is scheduled to run from Sunday, 30 August to Sunday, 13 September, spanning two weeks and encompassing the US Labour Day weekend.

Where to play

The All Court Tennis Club partners with the prestigious and historic West Side Tennis Club, where many professionals—most notably Venus and Serena Williams—have been known to warm up before the Open begins.

Our U.S. Open Play and Watch event returns to this hallowed ground in Forest Hills. While the current sessions are fully booked, we have already started a waiting list for next year. This venue offers a rare chance to play on the same grass and clay courts that hosted the world's best for decades.

The West Side Tennis Club

The West Side Tennis Club originated in Manhattan's Central Park in 1892 with just 13 members renting land for three clay courts. After moving several times, it settled in Forest Hills in 1912. The club played a pivotal role in expanding the reach of tennis in America, arguing it had become a national heritage.

In 2013, the club successfully preserved Forest Hills Stadium from development, ensuring its future as a premier venue for both tennis and world-class music events. For those attending the Open, the stadium remains a landmark of the sport's golden age.

Must see in NYC

In New York, the options are endless. Most players prefer the luxury hotels of Midtown for their proximity to the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center via the Queens-Midtown Tunnel.

Museums: While there is no dedicated tennis museum on-site, the city is home to world-renowned institutions including the Whitney, the Met, MoMA, and the Guggenheim.
The High Line: This popular elevated park stretches from the gallery-packed Meatpacking District to Hudson Yards.
Trinity Churchyard: Located a few blocks north of the Battery, this site is miraculously preserved and contains its own poignant tributes to the city's history.
The Explorers Club: A visit to the Explorers Club offers a unique glimpse into a Gilded Age social club dedicated to the world's most daring adventurers.

Shop

While Fifth Avenue maintains its status with mainstays like Saks Fifth Avenue and Rockefeller Centre, many head to SoHo, the Lower East Side, or DUMBO for unique fashion finds.

Rowing Blazers: Located on Rivington Street, Rowing Blazers offers a cheeky take on American Prep, featuring Arthur Ashe polos and croquet-striped rugby shirts.
Intermix: Visit the Madison Avenue location for a curated selection of designer brands including Agolde and Golden Goose.
Aimé Leon Dore: This Soho-based brand, founded by Teddy Santis, blends Greek heritage with NYC street style. Their flagship store on Mulberry Street also features a café with excellent coffee and elegant interiors.
Reigning Champ: Our event sponsor, Reigning Champ, is the go-to for premium athletic wear and trendy tennis apparel.

Eat, drink and be merry

New York's dining and drinking scene ranges from historic speakeasies to modern culinary icons.

Patent Pending: Located in the Radio Wave Building where Nikola Tesla once lived, Patent Pending is a hidden cocktail bar that celebrates the inventor's legacy.
Classic Dining: For a quintessential NYC experience, try the French bistro Balthazar in SoHo, the farm-to-table Blue Ribbon, or the historic Keens Steakhouse.
New Favourites: Check out Jack’s Wife Freda for American-Mediterranean fare, the legendary Russ & Daughters for Jewish deli classics, or the Persian flavours of Nasrin’s Kitchen.
Nightcaps: Conclude your evening at Bemelmans Bar in the Carlyle Hotel, famous for its hand-painted murals and old-school glamour.

Read

For a moment of calm away from the busy streets, pick up a copy of Balcony Magazine. Co-founded by our New York Ambassador Vicente Muñoz and his wife Audrey, the publication focuses on artists' voices and the intersection of art and everyday life.

Sleep

New York hotels generally fall into two categories: large-scale corporate towers or intimate boutique stays. For the easiest commute to the US Open, stay on the East Side of Midtown to be close to the 7 train or the Queens-Midtown Tunnel.

The Benjamin Royal Sonesta: A Beaux-Arts gem offering spacious suites and coveted city terraces.
Refinery Hotel: Housed in a former hat factory, the Refinery features a popular rooftop bar and over a century of history.
Boutique Options: For a downtown vibe, consider The Mercer, The Bowery, or The Broome.
Ace Hotel Manhattan: A first choice for many, known for its vibrant lobby scene and farm-to-table dining options.