Sports
US Open Tennis Championships Returns to Full Fan Capacity
The US Open Tennis Championships announced that this year’s tournament will return to 100 per cent fan capacity at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. The year’s final tennis Grand Slam will be held from 30 August-12 September at Flushing Meadows.
“We are extremely excited to be able to welcome our incredible fans back to the US Open this year,” US Open Tennis Championships CEO Mike Dowse said. “While we were proud that we were able to hold the event in 2020, we missed having our fans on-site, because we know that they are a large part of what makes the US Open experience unlike any other. Indeed, the challenges presented by the pandemic were tough on us all, but our tennis came together like never before and tackled each challenge head on.
“Interest in tennis has accelerated, with four million new and returning tennis players taking to the court last year. Our sport surged in the toughest of times, and this year’s US Open promises to be an unforgettable celebration of the game, those who play it, and those who revel in it.”
In 2020, the US Open tennis championship was held without tennis fans on-site. Tickets to the 2021 event will be put on sale to the general public on 15 July at 12 p.m. ET.
2021 U.S. Open leader board
The 121st U.S. Open is underway Thursday at Torrey Pines. After an early weather delay spanning 90 minutes was prompted by intense fog, the course has cleared up but is playing more challenging and firm as the day wears on. Play is expected to go deep into the evening on the West Coast.
Early groups from the morning suggests there’s scores to be had despite the tricks Torrey can present, however. Two-time U.S. Open champion Brooks Koepka is one of the few who maneuvered the track with ease, opening his weekend with a 2-under 69 in Round 1. Russell Henley also had a strong start, finishing 4-under and pacing the morning flight. Francesco Molinari and Rafa Cabrera Bello are 3 under.
Looming in the evening is a number of the world’s top golfers led by reigning champion Bryson DeChambeau, who is again among the favorites. DeChambeau will try to deploy his “hit it as far as humanly possible, find it and hit it again” strategy once again after doing so successfully last year at Winged Foot. Many other narratives will emerge, too. U.S. Opens are always chaotic, and this one will undoubtedly also fit that mold.
Follow live scores from each round of the 2021 U.S. Open with our leaderboard, along with updated tee times and TV coverage.
