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Five reasons why Fan Week is an awesome way to enjoy the US Open

Did you know that the week prior to the Main Draw is filled with free entertainment, heaps of family fun and the chance to watch top tennis stars without dropping a penny?
Fan Week
Written by Time Out. Paid for by the US Open
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We’ll let you in on a not-so-well-kept secret: there’s a lot more to the US Open than the finals. Sure, the big matches are thrilling, but the US Open Fan Week (August 19-25), held the week prior to the main event, is shaping up to be a real summer highlight whether or not you’re a tennis obsessive. 

There are plenty of reasons to get excited about Fan Week—the first being that it’s completely free. Fan Week is when the Qualifying Tournament takes place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, and you won’t pay a thing to see any of the on-court action. On top of that, there’s plenty of entertainment for adults and kids, plus the opportunity to watch some of the world’s top tennis stars return from retirement. 

Read on to discover why the US Open Fan Week is an ace way to spend your summer. Game, set, match. 

1. Free access to the qualifying matches

Free access to the qualifying matches
Free access to the qualifying matches
Photograph: Mike Stobe

In case you haven’t heard, this year’s US Open is the richest in tennis history, with the men’s and women’s singles champions set to pocket $3.85 million each. You can bet that competition is incredibly fierce—which means that the Qualifying Tournament will be extra thrilling. It’s your chance to see world-class athletes for free; plus, you might just catch a tennis star in the making. At the outer courts, you can be so close to the action that you’ll be able to hear the ball whistle as it smacks the racquet.

2. The chance to watch former Grand Slam champs take to the court again

The chance to watch former Grand Slam champs take to the court again
The chance to watch former Grand Slam champs take to the court again
Photograph: USTA/Darren Carroll

Don’t be embarrassed if you lose it a little bit when you see a world-famous tennis champion appear on the court. At US Open Fan Week, you won’t need to pay for this unforgettable experience—you can catch players in daily featured practices and ‘Legends matches’. On Wednesday, witness John McEnroe and Jim Courier; Thursday will see Andy Roddick play James Blake, and on Friday, watch a women’s double match with Martina Navratilova, Tracy Austin, Lindsay Davenport and Aranxta Sanchez Vicario.

3. Huge serves of ace entertainment

From 8pm on Wednesday to Friday, the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center will play host to a brand new concert series, Chase Sound Check. Once the sun sets over the courts, a stage will light up with live music. Big names include LANY (8/21), Brett Eldredge (8/22) and Leon Bridges (8/23) – how will you decide which one to see? 

4. Lots of family fun

Lots of family fun
Lots of family fun

Tiny tennis fans will have a lot to celebrate at US Open Fan Week. Throughout the week, kids can participate in a variety of sports at the Net Generation Kids’ Zone presented by Emirates (who knows, you might just spot the next Federer or Williams). Then, on Saturday August 24, there is Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, a  free kids’ festival, complete with face painting, activities, prizes and stadium show featuring chart-topping musical acts.

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