The US Open, held annually at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows, New York, stands in stark contrast to the genteel atmosphere of Wimbledon. Just weeks after the meticulously quiet and all-white affair in London, the US Open bursts onto the scene with a cacophony of sounds, smells, and sights that both captivate and divide. While Wimbledon mandates near-silence and a strict dress code, the US Open embraces a more boisterous, almost chaotic environment that reflects the energy of its host city, New York. This distinct atmosphere, characterized by loud music, vocal fans, and even the pervasive scent of marijuana, makes the US Open a unique and sometimes controversial Grand Slam event.
The contrast with Wimbledon, and indeed most other tennis tournaments, is striking. Sports journalist Molly McElwee aptly describes it as "an assault on the senses," a world away from the hushed reverence of Wimbledon’s pristine courts. Instead of polite applause and whispered commentary, the US Open reverberates with the sounds of pop music between points, roaring cheers, and a general sense of unbridled enthusiasm. McElwee, who has experienced the US Open firsthand, likens the atmosphere to a soccer match, where fans are actively engaged and uninhibited in their support.
A key contributor to the US Open’s unique atmosphere is the readily available refreshments, particularly the popular Honey Deuce cocktail. The free-flowing beverages contribute to the festive mood, fueling the fans’ exuberance and adding to the overall sense of revelry. As McElwee notes, the US Open is "definitely one of the loudest slams, certainly the brightest, the biggest, in a lot of senses," a reflection of the vibrant and unapologetically bold city that hosts it.
However, the sensory overload of the US Open extends beyond the auditory. Players and journalists alike have commented on the distracting array of smells that permeate the grounds, ranging from fried food to the increasingly noticeable aroma of marijuana. The legalization of recreational marijuana in New York State in 2021 has undoubtedly contributed to the prevalence of this scent, which has become a topic of discussion among players.
Casper Ruud, the world No. 12, has openly expressed his dislike for the ubiquitous smell of weed, stating, "I’m not a big fan of the smell of weed when you walk around. Every corner of every street, you smell it." Despite his reservations about the scent, Ruud acknowledges that he still enjoys playing at the tournament, highlighting the complex relationship many players have with the US Open’s unique atmosphere.
At the heart of the US Open’s vibrant atmosphere lies Arthur Ashe Stadium, the largest tennis stadium in the world. The sheer size of the stadium, combined with the passionate New York crowd, creates an electrifying environment that can either inspire or overwhelm players. McElwee, author of "Building Champions: Paths to Success in Women’s Tennis," recalls Serena Williams’s run in 2022 as a prime example of the US Open crowd at its best. "The crowd noise during that run for her was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced," she says, emphasizing the unified and intensely loud support that Williams received.
However, the fervent support of the US Open crowd can also be a double-edged sword. The smaller arenas on the grounds have also witnessed instances of unruly behavior, as demonstrated during Daniil Medvedev’s match against Benjamin Bonzi. A controversial call by the chair umpire, triggered by a cameraman’s accidental intrusion onto the court, ignited a furious reaction from Medvedev, who incited the crowd into a frenzy. The resulting uproar delayed the match for several minutes, with the crowd booing Bonzi and disrupting his serves.
Bonzi himself acknowledged the difficulty of playing in such a chaotic environment, stating, "It was so noisy, I never thought to wait so long before a point and between points… It was a situation, very weird, and then obviously it’s tough to, like, refocus on the game to play. And even during the points, it was very noisy, so it was tough to hear the ball, the strikes and everything."
Another bizarre incident occurred during Jacob Fearnley’s match against Roberto Bautista Agut, where a fan abruptly switched his allegiance, directing loud and confusing comments towards Fearnley. While not abusive, the fan’s behavior was unsettling enough for Fearnley to comment on it after the match.
Despite the potential for distractions and disruptions, some players thrive in the US Open’s high-energy environment. American stars like Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton embrace the chaos and partisan atmosphere, viewing it as a source of motivation and excitement. Tiafoe has openly expressed his amusement at the Medvedev incident, while Shelton has declared that he "finds peace in the chaos."
Shelton, a 2023 US Open semifinalist, contrasts his preference for the US Open with the more subdued atmosphere of other tournaments. "I feel more uncomfortable at the quiet tournaments where there is not much going on, not as many fans, or the ground isn’t packed with people, or there is not a stigma of excitement around the tournament," he explains. For Shelton, the energy of the US Open, from the city to the stadium, is unparalleled and contributes to his best performances.
Emma Navarro, another rising American star, appreciates the "more casual" environment of the US Open, where fans are less focused on strict etiquette and more on enjoying the overall experience. She notes that the sheer size of Arthur Ashe Stadium allows fans to walk and talk during points, a practice that would be frowned upon at other tournaments. Navarro sees this as a positive, as it reduces the pressure on her and allows her to feel like she is part of a larger event.
Whether one embraces or disdains the boisterous atmosphere, the US Open’s unique character is unlikely to change anytime soon. As tennis continues to evolve and seek new ways to attract audiences, the US Open may serve as a model for future tournaments, embracing a more relaxed and fan-centric approach.
Ultimately, the US Open’s distinctive atmosphere presents a unique challenge for players, requiring them to adapt and thrive in an environment unlike any other on the tour. As McElwee points out, the US Open’s demanding environment may contribute to the high rate of different winners in recent years. "You really need to have your energy up all the time," she says, suggesting that the ability to cope with the city and the atmosphere is just as important as on-court skill. Those who can embrace the chaos and thrive under pressure are the ones who will ultimately succeed at the US Open. The tournament, with its marijuana infused air, rowdy fans and everything in between provides a stage unlike any other in the world, making it a tournament that players and fans alike love or love to hate.