The US Open is traditionally the fourth and final Grand Slam event of any tennis year. For many, it’s the ultimate test of the best players in the sport. Every tennis fan in the United States will be waiting for the 2023 edition with great anticipation, but those in New Jersey have an added interest.
Anyone who wants to attend the event in person only has to make the journey across state to New York. There’s a huge following for the sport here, but what can those fans expect this time around?
Dates for the Diary
The 2023 US Open will start on Monday August 28th. Two weeks of world class tennis action will then conclude with a set of finals on Sunday September 10th. As always, the venue is the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens.
Those who aren’t able to attend can watch all of the big games via the main TV broadcasters. In an important week for tennis and all associated with it, this will be a busy time for the sportsbooks too. New Jersey tennis fans will have to cross over to New York to get their US Open bets in, but many will be happy to make that journey to get behind the top players.
The dates are in place, but what else should New Jersey tennis fans be aware of, if they are planning to make the trip to Flushing Meadow?
The Exodus
It’s estimated that around three quarters of a million fans will attend matches across the two weeks of the US Open. While it’s impossible to predict how many of those supporters will originate from New Jersey, the shorter trip means that a significant percentage will travel from New York’s neighboring state.
Potentially, they may return home after a day at the tennis, but there are plenty of places to stay if they want to extend their vacation. Many of those properties are close to LaGuardia Airport which would leave a taxi or subway ride into the Flushing Meadow complex.
There are other hotels closer to the event, but these tend to get booked up early. For those New Jersey tennis fans looking to make the trip, they may need to look out of town for the best accommodation.
Expected Outlay
The financial commitment for the US Open will depend on a number of factors. How is the tennis fan looking to travel and where are they planning to stay? There are many ways to get from NJ to NYC and there are different recommendations.
It takes around an hour and a half to drive, but most independent sources recommend taking the Path Subway. Ticket costs then have to be taken into consideration, and there is a big range of prices. These begin at $35 while the prime seats on Arthur Ashe court can set you back around $1000.
In short, the cheapest package from New Jersey might cost as little as $100, but the total outlay could extend to multiple thousands of dollars.
The Players to Watch
With his contemporaries falling off the radar, Novak Djokovic has become the dominant force in men’s tennis. By the time he arrives at the US Open in August, he may well be aiming at a historic clean sweep of Grand Slams.
Djokovic has already won the Australian Open and the French Open in 2023, and he is the favorite to succeed at Wimbledon in July. With Roger Federer retired and Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray struggling with injury, it’s up to the new generation to make a challenge.
Among those looking to topple Djokovic are Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Jannik Sinner and Stefanos Tsitsipas.
The women’s singles section is far more open, with a number of players challenging for the title. There is a clear favorite in the shape of Iga Swiatek, but the outright winner market is much closer. Other players with a genuine chance for the trophy include Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka.
There are other sections to enjoy. The men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles will also attract interest, but for most tennis fans it’s all about the singles competitions.
History in the Making
In 2023, anyone traveling from New Jersey to the US Open could be witnessing a truly historic event. Winning all four Grand Slams in the same year is a rare achievement and, in the men’s section, the last player to do this was Rod Laver back in 1969.
Novak Djokovic has a real chance to emulate that feat and, if he plays at his best, no-one will be able to compete. The US Open will always attract interest, but 2023 could be a very special year. Those who are looking to make the short trip from New Jersey may very well be set to see Djokovic make tennis history.
