Starting today, tickets for all sessions of the 2025 US Open will be available to the general public. To mark the 75th anniversary of Althea Gibson breaking tennis’s color barrier at the 1950 U.S. National Championships, the USTA has unveiled the official theme for the tournament: “Celebrating 75 Years of Breaking Barriers.”
The powerful tribute will resonate throughout the three-week event, which runs from August 18 to September 7, with a major highlight scheduled for Sunday, August 24, when Arthur Ashe Stadium hosts a special tribute to Gibson as the main draws begin for both women and men.
The centerpiece of this celebration is a striking new piece of theme art created by Tampa-based artist Melissa Koby, who is making history herself as the first Black artist ever commissioned for the US Open’s theme art. Her work features a layered silhouette of Althea Gibson, built from stencil and laser-cut paper elements that incorporate US Open symbols and evoke emotion through texture and depth.
Koby described the piece as a tribute not just to Gibson’s tennis legacy, but to her powerful presence and the generations of changemakers she inspired.
“I wanted to create a piece that represents Althea as uniquely and beautifully as she deserves and also inspires a deep connection of representation with anyone who sees it,” Koby said. “Whether it be the layer of her playing tennis for an avid tennis-lover, or somebody who has ties to Arthur Ashe Stadium, or somebody who just loves really strong women in sports — I wanted to make sure that in having the honor and privilege of representing Althea for the US Open, I created a piece in which everyone can find a deep connection with her but also within themselves.”
Gibson’s legacy continues to shape the sport, and this year’s US Open is poised to honor her with the depth and recognition she deserves. As US Open Tournament Director Stacey Allaster put it:
“The character and the courage she displayed at the 1950 U.S. National Championships changed the course of history and created a legacy that helped make the US Open what it is today – truly ‘Open for All.’ On the 75th anniversary of that watershed moment, we celebrate Althea, the barriers she broke and the legacy she inspired.”
Tickets for all three weeks of events at the 2025 US Open go on sale to the general public at 9 a.m. Friday via Ticketmaster and USOpen.org.
Major events to look forward to:
US Open Mixed Doubles Championship
Date: Tuesday, August 19 – Wednesday, August 20
This year, the Mixed Doubles Championship has been reimagined and elevated into a headline event, with a blockbuster field featuring today’s top men’s and women’s stars joining forces. It’s now a must-attend championship competition, with teams competing for a $1 million champions’ prize.
Stars of the Open presented by Chase
Date: Thursday, August 21
Back as one of Fan Week’s biggest attractions, this event brings together top tennis pros and today’s hottest celebrities for an evening of fun and philanthropy. A portion of ticket proceeds goes to benefit the USTA Foundation.
Fan Week: Free tennis & more
Date: Monday, August 18 – Saturday, August 23
One of the best parts of the US Open experience returns as Fan Week offers free grounds admission to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Visitors can catch the US Open qualifying tournament, where 128 men and women compete for the final 16 spots in the main draws. It’s an unbeatable chance to see emerging talent up close on the field courts, all at no cost.
Main draw action starts earlier than ever
In a historic change for the tournament, the men’s and women’s singles main draws will have their first-ever weekend start in the Open Era.
- Singles main draws begin: Sunday, August 24
- Women’s singles final: Saturday, September 6
- Men’s singles final: Sunday, September 7
With this earlier start, the 2025 US Open promises to deliver even more tennis, more storylines, and more unforgettable moments.
Women’s Tennis Blog