The 146th US Open tennis tournament kicked off August 30, 2026, at Flushing Meadows, New York, under clear skies and temperatures near 75°F [1, 2, 3]. The event features the largest prize pool in tennis history, totaling $108 million, a sum aimed at ensuring players receive a fair share of revenue, U.S. Tennis Association CEO Craig Tiley said [1].
The tournament continues its expanded 15-day format that began in 2025 to meet rising ticket demand [1, 2]. Singles main draw matches started on multiple courts, including Arthur Ashe Stadium, Louis Armstrong Stadium, and the Grandstand [1, 2]. The opening match of the day was Italian Jasmine Paolini’s, starting at 11 a.m. ET [1, 2].
Several notable players are competing, including defending men’s champion Carlos Alcaraz, who returns after an injury, and two-time defending women’s champion Aryna Sabalenka [1, 2, 3]. Novak Djokovic started the night session against Mariano Navone, with Venus Williams closing the evening versus American wildcard Sofia Kenin [1, 2]. World number one Jannik Sinner withdrew from the tournament [1, 2].
Day 1 attracted a range of celebrities such as José Reyes, Mike Colter, Lindsey Vonn, and Kate Walsh, adding excitement to the opening atmosphere [3]. The US Open is the fourth and final Grand Slam event of the tennis season, following the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon [3].
The tournament will continue through mid-September, wrapping up the Grand Slam calendar year and concluding the 146th edition of the US Open.
