The US Open’s top secret happened before the tournament even started.

The 2023 US Open will be one to watch for, with last year’s champion Carlos Alcaraz looking to defend his title. while Novak Djokovic is looking for an elusive Grand Slam number. 24. On the women’s side There are many contestants Including World No. 1 Iga Świątek and American Coco Gauff picked up new victories in Cincinnati and DC.

But what if we told you that you can watch all these players for free before the Open even starts? Because you can—and if you live in New York City. If you’re headed to the Mets-Willets Point stop, take the LIRR from Penn Station (port Washington branch).

The US Open fan week, which debuted in 2017, made a big comeback last year. It’s open to anyone to the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center for free to watch qualifying matches and some of the sports’ biggest names in practice before the Open officially begins. 2023 All you have to do is show up. no ticket needed

“It was fun,” said former American tennis player James Blake, who holds the top four in his career. city ​​and country Fanweek: “I was a fan of the US Open before I became a player. I love being here and now the fans can come out and watch the greats training and great games for free.”

He continued: “You will see incredible tennis. It was fun and special.”

Blake was at the Open for the first night of Fanweek in 2022 to take on the legends alongside Kim Clijsters, Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Andy Roddick. “It’s not the same pressure when we actually play here,” he jokes. Louis Armstrong Stadium packed to the brim with all four games played.

According to Blake The qualifiers will take place during Fanweek. In 2021, women’s singles winner Emma Raducanu made it through the qualifiers. which became the first qualifier to win the Grand Slam This year’s qualifying competition It will be played from Tuesday 22 August to Friday 25 August, with 16 men and 16 women qualifying for the main round. Perhaps one of those finalists will use Raducanu’s magic again.

It’s not just the qualifying tournaments that need to be seen. The pitch is packed with training stars. In 2019, fans attending Fanweek will be able to watch a training match between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic (here’s the schedule for the players). everyone so you can plan ahead. To attend training with Ashe, you just need to sign up for a “Fan Access Pass,” which you can do online—and yes. also free)

In addition to tournaments and qualifying practice sessions. as Blake said You will watch unbelievable tennis. There’s a lot more to fans of Week than to make a trip to Queens worthwhile.

On Wednesday tennis stars Carlos Alcaraz, Frances Tiafoe, Elina Svitolina, Chris Eubanks, Jessica Pegula, Matteo Berrettini and more will host a match for Ukraine. Proceeds will be donated to Global Giving’s Ukraine Crisis Fund (tickets are only $25). You can try dishes from top chefs around the world. It includes food from Alex Guarnaschelli, Kwame Onwuachi and Masahuru Morimoto (slightly more expensive at $183 per ticket, but it’s worth a visit). To benefit the USTA Foundation, which helps bring sports to children. in resource-poor communities). In addition, merchandise stores and food stations remain open. So you can grab a t-shirt or drink some Honey Deuce before the tournament starts.

Being at the US Open fan week, it really felt like tennis was back in New York. due to covid restrictions The event did not take place in 2020 and 2021, although the tournament was still held. Nearly 11,000 fans attended the first day of the week, the largest number ever for the first day of the US Open week.

“It’s nice to see the energy around tennis build up,” said three-time US Open champion Kim Clijsters. city ​​and country of the stadium atmosphere during last year’s Fan Week Clijsters also praised the USTA Foundation’s efforts to get “tennis beyond those who are avid tennis fans.” To try and get young children exposed to tennis – so it’s just as popular as the NBA or football!” of her coming to Fan Week The final day of Fanweek, Saturday August 26th, is Arthur Ashe’s Children’s Day, filled with tennis activities and family entertainment.

Fan Week also spoke about the US Open and the USTA’s goal of making tennis a more inclusive and inclusive sport. The fact that access to qualifying rounds and practices is completely free. make such a mission come true.

So even if you can’t make it to the US Open this year, you’ll need to make it through Fanweek. for the price of just taking the subway You can watch Novak Djokovic train, or maybe watch the next winner of the tournament.

See you at Flushing?

For the full Fan Week schedule and stadium maps, visit USOpen.org.