Tennis Fans Sound the Alarm on Overcrowded US Open

The US Open set a record attendance number, but fans are not happy.

Aug 26, 2024; Flushing, NY, USA; Moyuka Uchijima (JPN) serves against Tamara Korpatsch (GER)(not pictured) in a women's singles match on day one of the 2024 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports / Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The first day of the 2024 US Open was a massive success. There were approximately 74,641 fans that made their way through the gates in New York. It was the biggest single-day event in the history of the US Open.

The day-session crowd of 42,886 was the second-highest day-session attendance in history, while the night-session crowd of 31,775 set an all-time night-session record.

While tournament organizers and sponsors were quick to highlight the record-breaking number as a positive sign for the sport, not all fans are happy.

Wow, 74,641 fans in the gates today in New York. Most single day event in the history of the US Open, per ESPN.

And, that's why everything is so expensive, they know people will pay for everything.

— Tennis Updates (@TennisUpdates24) August 27, 2024

Many displeased tennis fans are taking to social media to complain about the overcrowded conditions at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Anecdotal evidence about fans feeling claustrophobic is a common theme in the discourse online. Some people want fewer tickets sold, others complain about ticketing pricing, a few want more facilities built, and everyone is blaming corporate greed for the uncomfortable situation.

#USOpen will trumpet these numbers, but without a serious grounds expansion this is just overcrowding.

Last year was already way too much. https://t.co/SseOHQkPWL

— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) August 27, 2024

With a men's and women's tournament filled with stars, excitement for the US Open will only continue to grow. With it, more fans will make their way to Flushing for the Grand Slam. Tennis fans can follow Sports Illustrated's Serve on SI for all the most important news from the sport.

More Tennis News

• Frances Tiafoe's US Open kit is drawing comparisons to a Taylor Swift song.

• Ben Shelton offered a surprisingly funny reason for Coco Gauff's popularity.

• Tommy Paul talks tennis culture and celebrity fans.