• Loading stock data...
Saturday, May 18, 2024

Coco Gauff, Novak Djokovic Make History At Record-Breaking U.S. Open

  • Early momentum at the gate extends through whole tournament.
  • Historic turnout arrives despite unseasonably warm weather.
Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

The 2023 U.S. Open concluded with another record-level attendance total, further solidifying the tournament as tennis’ most lucrative major and one of the foremost sports events.

The tournament finished with a main draw total of 799,402, up 3% from last year’s 776,120. The event concluded with Coco Gauff’s victory Saturday in the women’s singles final and Novak Djokovic’s title win Sunday in men’s singles.

The new attendance record became largely inevitable very early in the tournament, as three single-day records were set in the tournament’s first four days. After that, fan interest remained high and, even as unseasonably hot and humid weather in the New York area impacted nearly all of the two weeks of play, more individual records were established.

The U.S. Open is also specifically designed to boost tennis’ accessibility to mass audiences, with a 23,771-seat Arthur Ashe Stadium, the sport’s largest facility in the world, and notoriously long-running night sessions.

All 25 sessions at the stadium sold out for the second year in a row, while both the men’s (28,804) and women’s (28,143) championship matches were the most-attended in U.S. Open history.

With the additional attendance from Fan Week that preceded the main draw, the overall U.S. Open event drew 957,387, up by nearly 8% from a year ago and marking the first Grand Slam to exceed 950,000 spectators over three weeks. 

This year’s U.S. Open featured a $65 million prize pool that is the largest of tennis’ four majors, and Gauff and Djokovic each earned $3 million for their titles. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Bally-Sports

DSG’s Path to Revival Faces Major Pushback from MLB, NBA, and NHL

Three major pro leagues raise further concerns about the bankrupt Bally Sports parent.

PGA Championship Setting Revenue Records, but LIV Drama Still Looms

The PGA Championship tees off Thursday morning at Valhalla Golf Club.

Want to Stream Live Sports? Better Know Your Bundle Options First

Comcast’s new StreamSaver bundle adds to a fast-growing number of combined offerings.
Kendall Coyne Schofield

PWHL Playoffs Experience Surge in Attendance. Is Expansion Coming?

The first five games of the postseason drew nearly 40,000.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

MLB, NBA, NHL Broadcasting Future Goes to Court

0:00

Featured Today

February 5, 2019; Washington, DC, USA; The grounds of the Capitol Building empty out following the conclusion of President Donald Trump's State of the Union speech on February 5, 2019.

‘A Breathtaking Lobbying Campaign’: The NCAA’s Sophisticated Effort to Save Amateurism

Inside the carefully coordinated, multimillion-dollar operation to end the athletes’ rights era.
May 14, 2024

The WNBA Was Forged in Houston. Why Won’t It Go Back There?

Houston’s a perfect fit for expansion. The league isn’t considering it yet.
May 9, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) stands with the team during the national anthem on Thursday, May 9, 2024, during the preseason game against the Atlanta Dream at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
May 12, 2024

‘Perfect Storm’: The Rise of Local WNBA Broadcast Pacts

With national attention reaching new heights, regional coverage could dictate the future.
Mar 29, 2023; New York, New York, USA; American actors and comedians Chris Rock (left) and Ben Stiller sit court side during the third quarter between the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden.
May 11, 2024

The Haves and Have-Nots: How the Knicks’ Celebrity Row Works

Unwritten rules, an expectation of quid pro quo, and nothing is free.

Careers

Powered By

Careers in Sports

Looking for a new job? Check out these featured listings and search for openings all over the world.
Live Nation
Multiple - USA Careers
Adidas
Multiple - USA Careers
FanDuel
Multiple - USA Careers

The WNBA Rookies Are Creating a New Celebrity Row

Major celebs like Kim Kardashian and Latto are showing up for the newbies.
May 15, 2024

Caitlin Clark Debuts With WNBA’s Most-Watched Game in Decades

The game averaged 2.12 million viewers, the WNBA’s highest since 2001.
May 16, 2024

Preakness in Spotlight: Chance of a Triple Crown Winner Bolsters Status

The presence of Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan gives a big boost to the Triple Crown’s middle leg.
Sponsored

Major League Rugby’s Vision for American Rugby

How Major League Rugby is leading the Rugby renaissance in the U.S.
May 15, 2024

NFL Signs Three-Year Christmas Day Deal With Netflix

The streamer will show two holiday games in 2024 and one apiece in ’25 and ’26.
May 14, 2024

Architect of LIV Golf Deal Departs the PGA Tour. What Happens Next?

PGA Tour policy board member Jimmy Dunne has resigned.
May 14, 2024

Caitlin Clark’s WNBA Debut Marks the Start of a New Era for Women’s Basketball

A Clark-fueled business boom comes at the perfect time for the WNBA.
May 14, 2024

WNBA’s Transition to Charter Flights Has Bumpy Takeoff

The league announced a week ago it would start chartering flights for the 2024 season.