Evolution of the US Open Tournament and Historic Tennis Venues: New York History in Details

2:25 pm  |  28.01.2024

For enthusiasts of both tennis and American history, the development of the US Open tournament and the iconic courts that have witnessed the brilliance of tennis legends over the centuries is a captivating journey. Our detailed exploration is presented in this article.

Evolution of the US Open: From Newport to Flushing Meadows-Corona Park


The prestigious US Open tournament has transformed from its origins in an elite Newport Rhode Island club to the Forest Side Hills West Side Tennis Club, eventually finding its current home at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. Notably, the tournament holds an intriguing connection to the 1964 World’s Fair.

The inaugural match of the US Open in August 1881 unfolded on the grass courts of a Newport casino, exclusively attended by members of the US National Tennis Association. Today, the same venue serves as the esteemed International Tennis Hall of Fame at the McKim, Mead & White Casino.

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Expansion and Relocation: Forest Hills Era (1911-1977)

A pivotal moment in the tournament’s history occurred in 1911 when a group led by Carl H. Behr successfully petitioned to move the event to New York City. The West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills, Queens became its home, with only a brief hiatus in the 1920s. The club’s rich history includes hosting the Davis Cup and enduring as the tournament venue until 1977.

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Founded in 1892 at Central Park’s West Side, the Westside Tennis Club initially boasted three clay courts. Over the years, it expanded, first near Columbia University and later to 238th Street and Broadway. Noteworthy for hosting the Davis Cup, the club recognized the need for expansion, leading to the purchase of a permanent site in Forest Hills, Queens, in 1912.

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Forest Hills Legacy and Cultural Significance

The move to Forest Hills marked an era of grandeur, featuring a Tudor-style clubhouse and the construction of a 14,000-seat horseshoe-shaped stadium. The Forest Hills venue witnessed not only remarkable tennis but also became a stage for legendary concerts, including performances by Frank Sinatra, Bob Dylan, and the Beatles.

In 1978, the US Open moved to the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, Queens, transitioning from clay to a hard surface. The journey to this new location was inspired by the discovery of the old Singer Bowl Stadium, originally built for the 1964 World’s Fair.

Singer Bowl Transformation: Louis Armstrong and Grandstand Stadiums

Preceding the USTA’s move, the Singer Bowl Stadium underwent a remarkable transformation. It was divided into two stadiums, giving rise to Louis Armstrong Stadium and Grandstand Stadium. Notably, Grandstand Stadium currently holds the third-largest capacity at the US Open with 8,125 seats.

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Louis Armstrong Stadium, the second-largest in capacity, underwent a $600 million renovation, culminating in the unveiling of a new retractable roof. This stadium, with a seating capacity of 15,000, stands as the world’s first tennis arena boasting natural ventilation along with its innovative roof.

Named after the legendary Arthur Ashe, the stadium opened in 1997 as the primary court of the US Open, featuring a staggering capacity of 22,547 seats. With construction costs totaling $254 million, it stands as the largest tennis complex globally. In 2016, a $100 million retractable roof was introduced, showcasing cutting-edge engineering and energy-efficient design.

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Conclusion

The US Open’s journey through time and its evolution across various historic venues paint a rich tapestry of tennis history. From Newport’s grass courts to the modern marvels of Flushing Meadows, each chapter contributes to the tournament’s enduring legacy.

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