US Open

US Open Marks 50-Year Tennis Journey Under the Lights

Aug 22, 2025

The stage is set for the final Grand Slam® tournament of the year, with the US Open beginning on Sunday 24 August. Rolex became Official Timekeeper of the tournament in 2018, recognizing the remarkable continuity and endeavour at the heart of the US Open – which stands as the only Grand Slam® event to have been played every year since its inception as a national amateur competition in 1881. At the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center players will face one of the most formidable challenges in tennis as the drama unfolds over the course of 15 days. To lift the trophy, they must navigate its uniquely electric atmosphere, passionate crowds and varying conditions from day to night.

Photo credit: Rolex/Jon Buckle.

This year’s US Open marks half a century since the first night match illuminated the New York skyline in 1975 and transformed the sport forever. Now, the night session is not only a defining feature of the championship but part of the fabric of tournaments around the world. Typically, cooler temperatures, increased humidity and a slower ball speed characterize play after dusk. Some players thrive in this environment, including home favourite Taylor Fritz. Runner-up last year to fellow Rolex Testimonee Jannik Sinner, he is well aware of the strength, skill and poise required to perform in the vibrant surroundings of Arthur Ashe Stadium with some 23,800 spectators looking on. He says:

“I get really excited when I see I’m scheduled to play a night match. You just know that the crowd has stayed late wanting to see a performance and there’s no other atmosphere quite like it – especially at the US Open and on Arthur Ashe. It’s something that you can really get pumped for, and even more so being an American, as night tennis is such a big part of the history of the tournament.”

Photo credit: Rolex/Jon Buckle.

World No. 1 Sinner, who won his fourth Grand Slam® title in July at The Championships, Wimbledon, adds:

“The atmosphere at Flushing Meadows is a complete contrast to the other Grand Slam tournaments. At the beginning of my career, I found it quite a tough environment to play in. Now, I’m used to it and honestly, for me it’s a pleasure to play in front of the American crowd. Every time I go to Flushing Meadows, my performances improve, and I feel better and better.”

Photo credit: Rolex/Jon Buckle.

More than 20 years ago, Rolex Testimonee Justine Henin took part in one of the most fiercely contested and gruelling matches in US Open history. During her 2003 semi-final the Belgian legend memorably won a three-hour and three-minute marathon. Despite finishing that match after midnight, she returned to compete in the final the following day and lifted the women’s singles trophy for the first time. Henin, a seven-time Grand Slam® champion, reflecting on the importance of this victory, says:

“Subconsciously, I enjoyed pushing through tough moments. I loved big challenges, when things got difficult and uncomfortable – even if it didn’t always go my way. Luckily for me, that night, I proved to myself that I could fight back from near defeat, and that is why the win gave me so much satisfaction. For me, this is why Rolex’s understanding of tennis and what it takes to lift the trophy is so important. Yes, we did it, but it’s how we did it that really matters.”

Photo credit: Rolex/Eddie Keogh.

Rolex’s partnership with the US Open reflects a deep commitment to tennis excellence dating back almost half a century. Since partnering with Wimbledon in 1978, its clocks have kept time at many of the most spectacular matches, day and night, with Rolex Testimonees often featuring, as they continually strive for the ultimate performance. Joining Fritz and Sinner in the singles draws at Flushing Meadows this year will be past champions Carlos Alcaraz, Coco Gauff and Iga Świątek, who recently won her maiden Wimbledon title. Meanwhile, Mirra Andreeva, Belinda Bencic, João Fonseca, Holger Rune and Ben Shelton will be among those aiming to prove they can conquer the conditions for the first time. Falling at the end of a thrilling northern hemisphere summer of tennis, this US Open will again reward those capable of summoning extraordinary endurance and resilience as they pursue greatness on their tennis journey.