Game, Set, Match: Discover the Health Benefits of Tennis and the Thrill of the US Open

Play Tennis - May you Live Long and Prosper

USTA - National Tennis Month slide

May is America's National Tennis Month

• Play Tennis at Rafa Nadal Academy - last call for weekly Summer camps. Both Juniors and adults across America
  
  

NYC Tennis

• Exploring NYC Trip Photos @ Fan Week
• US Open Fans' Summer Guide and Discounts

• Ticketmaster - Sports Ticket Sale (Summer Deals)
  
  

Improved Health and live longer, research findings for Tennis Players

• Tennis players can live up to 10 years longer than non-players?
• NIH Study from Mayo Clinic
• New York Times | Forbes Magazine
• Players of all Racket Sports generally have better overall health (mind, heart, body)
  
  
• Special events nationwide are going on all month near you! Get into the action.

San Diego - Balboa Park Celebrates 100 Years!

• Presidential Seats, Hotel, Airfare, Transporation - 2023 US Open Package
• Over $32,000 raised for US Open ticket package donation auction to charity (Ivan Smith)
  
  

Roger Federer in NYC

Trevor and Roger + Switzerland Tourism

We want to give every American Tennis Fan (man, woman, and child) a chance to experience NYC and Pro Tennis at the US Open this year!

As a USPTA Teaching Professional for over 15 years - I encourage all my students to go at least once in their lifetime!

Watch a live tennis event in person.

• Splurge on last-minute tickets to the US Open final that you can tell your grandkids about!
• Or enjoy Fan Week and qualifying rounds for free with friends in the city.
• Have an enjoyable experience on any budget at off-peak times or the Labor Day weekend.

US Open Tennis - Buy, Hold, or Sell? (May - Aug)

• Picking tickets can be an art.
• With over 15 years of research, I help get fans into the best seats.
• I have personally attended dozens of years sitting courtside @ California Tennis
• Travel like a pro @ JCtennis.com

I have friends in Long Island City, family in Astoria, and business colleagues in Manhattan.

• Last year in 2022, the US Open had "sold out" crowds nearly every day of the 2 weeks!
• Serena and Rafael Nadal were playing on opposite days.
• The 23,859-capacity Arthur Ashe Stadium (the World's Largest) was sold out for ALL sessions.

Where to sit, when to go, how to buy. Get all the insider tricks on our 2023 email list.

US Open Key Dates

• Late May - Amex Member Presale
• Early June - US Open Public Sales - buy week 1 tickets!
• July-Aug - US Open BOGO Codes - look for sales for midweek deals.
  (Buy One, Get One or 50% off prices)
  
  
• Sports Tickets (Ticketmaster Summer Deals)

When to Go? Who to See?

1. Pick your dates (weekend vs weekday)
2. Book your flight and hotels first!
3. Attend 2-3 sessions for consecutive days/nights to see most players.

Popular Sessions for US Open Tennis

• Weekends of Labor Day and Finals
  - Buy early! TicketMaster Exchange (resell)
• Early rounds (1st week, Mon-Wed)
  - Wait: for the Public Sales near June 5th
• Mid-Week (2nd-week tickets, some nights)
  - Plan: July/Aug to find the best codes.

Sign up for our US Open newsletter. Get the discount codes, promos, and email updates.

Sponsors' Swag with Live Fan Reviews

We preview promotions from US Open sponsors like JP Morgan Chase (exclusive front row seats), American Express (snacks and A/C lounges), and HEAD plus Tennis-Point (discount USTA memberships and promo gifts).

Note: tickets you purchase will also indirectly fund the USTA non-profit organization. They support growing tennis in America through memberships and league events.

Affiliate Commission and Disclaimers

We are an affiliate partner with Ticketmaster, so we must provide a disclaimer that a small percentage of all online sales generate profits for us when made through clicking our links.

• Affiliate commissions pay for our travel expenses and our ticket giveaways.
• Our buyers never have to pay anything extra over retail.
• Pay less using our discount codes.
  
  
• We don't accept any endorsement money.
• Our opinions are entirely our own and independent of the US Open.
• Real scoop reviews from "secret shoppers" - we poll public fans in NY and on Facebook.

Turn ticket fees into charity donations.

A portion of every dollar from ticket fees and profits we collect for the US Open will go back to support American Charities as donation dollars. We have been doing it for over 10 years.

Annual contributions are made to places such as:
American Red Cross, Acing Autism, Tennis Plays for Peace (supporting relief), USTA / USPTA, grassroots tennis programs at the Parks & Rec level, and Wounded Warrior / ThankUSA charities.

Enjoy a summer vacation in NYC. American Tennis at the biggest tennis stadium in the World.

For 2 weeks around Labor Day every late August and early September, Tennis is in New York City.

Come join the fun at our annual reunion of friends, family, and friends. We will promote free events like the DNCE Concert and Finals Passes for the true NY Fan Experience. Hope you can join us!

US Open Friends and Fans (Facebook Group of US Open fans)

Miami Open: Tennis Tips and Discount Tickets

Enjoy sunny South Florida and the Top 100 players in the world.

Last-minute re-sell Ticket prices can be cheaper for Stadium Seats!

Look forward to great East Coast tennis in Florida at the end of the month!

Update: they moved this event to the Miami Dolphins stadium (photos after 2021) from its original Key Biscayne location (above). Be prepared as you'll get a LOT more steps in at the Hard Rock location.

Ticket Calendar: Miami Open - Tennis Masters 1000 Event Ticket Calendar

You can see almost all the top 100 tennis players (for both the men's and women's fields) in one place. In the past, this was known as the Sony Ericsson Open.

Think of it as a mini-grand slam preview over 2 weeks (late March into early April). See all the best tennis players up close in both the practice courts and matches.

• Miami Open Grandstand Tickets
  
  
• SeatGeat Map for Price Comparison

Value Tip:

If you are going during the first week around mid-March, you are better off buying a "Grandstand Ticket." I would also consider a Grounds Pass if it's your first time and just want to walk around.

It essentially gets you into every court except the Main Stadium. I know what you are saying...but I really, really want to watch the top players and they are only playing at the stadium. Ok, but chances are that the match will be against a much weaker opponent and will end in an unspectacular 6-2, 6-1 score in under an hour.

If you want the best value, just get on the practice courts (especially before his match) and see the top 3 players much closer up there. Then check out all the other court matches and upcoming stars on the outside courts.

Otherwise, buy an evening 2nd week or weekend Stadium ticket for a better show.

"Verified Resell" = Last-minute Deals:

Seats owned by fans who cannot attend must be resold on the market before 11AM on match day.

If you're lucky and patient, you can find deals for these seats the night before or even a few hours before the event opening time (usually 11AM) when the tickets get frozen.

Fans do not want to lose their money so they may sell their seats for less than retail prices here!

Follow up: See Our Tennis Media Pictures from a previous year's trip

Miami Open Attendance Tips for 1st-time viewers:

Afternoon Heat
Between 2PM and 5PM, it is usually very hot and humid in Miami. Recommend going into the souvenir shops for some shade and A/C. Also, the TV viewing area near the avenue leading to the Grandstand has some nice shade under the trees.

Shaded seats in the Stadium on the "72 Club" side

These can be rare and hard to find. But look for them on the West side of the court (same side as the Umpire) so at least the sun is behind you at least and not directly in your face.

Daily Doubles
A good deal if you plan to see both the Day and Evening sessions of a particular date. But if you are there early in the morning, the DAY session is usually all you need to buy to watch 80% of the matches the first week and weekend.

The best matches are probably going to be for the 4th round and Semi's.

Travel Tips:

If you're in the Florida area or thinking of a winter getaway, this is a great location to go.

We recommend flying into Fort Lauderdale (FLL) instead of Miami (MIA) airport as it is only about 30 mins drive away and much less busy.

The General Admissions lot is $15 from near the Seaquarium, with a shuttle bus that takes you another mile to the site. The closer lot is $30, that does not require a shuttle.

A quick trip to the Miami Seaquarium?
Save 20% with the promo code: FINISH

Traffic in Miami can be pretty bad around Miami Beach as several music festivals (including ULTRA / EDM) are all going on at once!

TopCourt Review: Touring Pros Lessons on Tennis and Pickleball

TopCourt: HD Video Training insights from Pros

TopCourt is the premier tennis streaming service on the market, offering an extensive library of high-quality videos. Featuring Hollywood-level production and innovative 4K camera action angles.

Key Benefits of TopCourt:

• Hollywood-quality production
• Innovative 4K camera angles from drone shots
• Demonstrations by real professional players, not actors
• Access to over 60 professional athletes and coaches

"MasterClass of Racquet Sports" – featuring top-ranked players and drills

Why not learn from the Grand Slam champions or the World #1?
They are paid and trained to win at the top levels. Experience counts.

Mirroring proper motions will train the mind.
Don't wing it. Avoid risk of injury from improper swings or overuse

Even popular top tennis coaches preach using these tools:

1. Visualization - Imagery training is vital
2. Learning by being in the environment - mimic the best techniques
3. Mental Snapshots - freeze the action at critical points

Pickleball Lessons - now included for free

Starting in late 2022, it now includes free lessons for pickleball, too.

Featuring pros like Catherine Parenteau, Lea Jansen, Tyler Loong, and Jessie Irvine. Think of this as the new 2-for-1 racket sports library (more tennis and pickleball videos are coming).

Translating the game using Tennis vocabulary

Callie Jo Smith does an amazing job explaining pickleball with the "tennis translations".

Super helpful for understanding how to adapt your footwork and swings to the smaller court.

Pickleball Paddle Bargains

I recommend these Amazon paddles to start playing with friends or family! It takes a few times to get the hang of it and adjust to the shorter courts.

Budget $50 set from a good player named Ben.

$50 Amazon US Pickleball-approved set: 2 paddles, 4 balls, and a carrying bag

If you decide to play regularly, I recommend upgrading to a T700 carbon fiber paddle.

As a former tennis player, you may feel most comfortable with Hybrid or elongated shapes.

Best $100-$150 Value Paddles

Use promo code 'JC10' to get up to 10% off!

Vatic Pro

The Vatic Pro Prism series is the #1 pick for new players.

Great all-around performance as an Amazon best seller

Neonic

4.0+ Best doubles paddle. Widebody design - best for fast hand speed in the kitchen

Neonic Flare Prime X 14mm (often sold out).

This is my main "prime" paddle I use in 2025!

Check out the PB studios review and his tip to add some tungsten tape of 1.5 grams to all 4 corners.

Tip: Don't buy a $200+ "power paddle" before you master the short game.

Learn how to dink. For faster hand speed at the net and better control of dinks from the kitchen.

The Neonic Flow is another great choice for excellent control at a value price.

Health, movement, and social interactions

For my tennis students transitioning or recovering from injury, I offer pickleball as a fun "mini-tennis" alternative. It's great for both kids and seniors, and it equalizes the playing field, making it more fun than I originally expected.

Golden Ticket - VIP Passes

On Court with TopCourt (filming behind-the-scenes, with a look at taping for Miami and Indian Wells)

In March and October, I took the invite and attended a behind-the-scenes look at the magic that goes into making these high-quality production videos. They offer VIP events too!

The interviews are the most original and authentic looks at the players. It gives them their true voice to express memories and moments. Shared lunch with Alexander Zverev and Brandon Nakashima between morning and afternoon takes.

You realize these young men are not paid as actors. They are genuine human beings who have a passion for the game. They often surprise you with a clever thought or joke they want to share.

Hearing how they think about tennis will transform and inspire how you play your game.

Better value for your tennis education

• Train the mind before working on the body.
• Full access to 56 tennis professionals at $180/year or ~50 cents per day.
• Hours of content with each player and coach.
• Before expensive lessons and court fees, learn the basics!
• Pickleball lessons are now included for free; get two for one.

TopCourt is still $15 per month - Typical private tennis lessons cost around $65 to 95 per hour in the US. That's a very good value, considering you get a year's worth of unlimited access anytime, anywhere.

Perfect Practice by Pros

"Amateurs practice until they get it right.

Pros practice until they can't get it wrong."

Tennis is their livelihood. You witness the skills and trade secrets of their craft. Each player has invested years of their life in mastering their best shots.

Learn the signature shot that each teacher will be best remembered.

If pros could only share one tip with the World, what would that be?

Free Offer with a 14-Day Full Access + Bonus Offer Trial

Bruce Lee's method of "fighting without fighting."

Yes - Court time is important. Matches are Important. Practice is Important.
After learning the proper Technique, there is a time and place for mass repetition.

First, the form must be correct.
Then, Perfect practice makes perfect.
Otherwise, bad technique makes you sloppy.

A perfect complement to live coach-led instruction

Yes, having private lessons is essential for improving quickly.

Visual learners prefer to see (not hear) the steps.

Reading a book may not help you play a sport.

If kids learn faster today with video, this is clearly a better option than 24x7 TikTok exposure.

 

Highlight reels are just eye candy - you need real tennis education focused on experiences.

Taught by pros, demonstrated by those who do it for a living. Not YouTube influencers seeking views.

Experience the Presence of Masters

TopCourt allows you to learn from the best through their words, presence, and body language. Over time, you'll absorb subtle nuances and perfect techniques, bringing your skills to new heights.

"Tape doesn't lie" - beyond YouTube highlights 

As part of credential media, I've covered numerous professional events as a tennis coach and photojournalist. Most hardcore fans will not get to attend even one Grand Slam event. Watching hours of practice footage intently to catch a few seconds of magic is daunting.

TopCourt offers a unique perspective, capturing the relaxed atmosphere and intimate moments that traditional broadcasts and live events often miss.

Exclusive content and innovative camera angles bring you closer than ever to the game's top players. More than 56 tennis professional players and coaches. All showcasing their favorite drills and plays.

3 Reasons why fans still attend pro sports events

When attending Major Championships like the US Open, I value these 3 experiences above all else:

1) Matches - Watching the Big 5th set Grand Slam match live on the center court.

2) Practices - Seeing the Tennis Pros prepare with their team from the courtside.

3) Emotions - Real human joy. Sharing the thrill of victory with thousands.

Spectator sports have been fundamentally changed. We missed all those special moments of exhibition genius and unscripted, off-camera candid insights outside the stadium.

TopCourt allows touring pros to share their favorite tennis drills and retell treasured moments.

Inspiring teens with success stories

Iga Swiatek and Leylah Fernandez

Both reached their first grand slam a few months after filming. A few genuine and kind words could be all it takes to inspire a young child to work hard at tennis. Hearing someone accomplish such an incredible feat can spark priceless motivation for what is possible.

You get to learn something new from so many teachers. If you are a game fan or student of the sport, it is designed with you in mind. Anyone on YouTube can call themselves a tennis coach these days. How many ATP or WTA championship titles has your coach won?

The annual subscription is a gift of education. A much better souvenir for lasting memories than anything found at the tennis gift shop.

14-Day Free Trial offer and bonus

TopCourt with CaliTennis.com has an exclusive 14-day free trial.

Designed for super-fans of the sport, this preview allows full access with all videos instantly unlocked. Prize giveaways are also included for sign-ups.

Allowing you to explore the platform without any financial commitment. You will also receive an email notification two days before the trial expires. Just cancel if you're unsatisfied.

Our Tennis-Bargains Exclusive Preview -

Explore a Free Trial of TopCourt for 14 days on us

Step-by-step instructions with personal attention

• Education: Drills, Exercises, and Instructional episodes all in 4K format.
• Entertainment: Hottest pro players on men's and women's pro tours.
• Expertise: Tennis concepts guided by tour-level professional players and coaches.

Hollywood production value sets up an All-Star lineup. Each month, we get treated to new videos from more than 56 online tennis stars on the ever-growing talent list. New features include the Android/iOS mobile apps, webTV sync, and personalized drill recommendations.

Close-Ups Camera Angles

The unique first-person experience makes TopCourt so different and special. It is unlike any TV camera angle. You feel like you're so close on the court that you might get hit by the shots.

 I saw several times when the cameramen did get hit during one of their film operations for special behind-the-scenes peeks in March (Miami) and October (Indian Wells).

The players swing full speed at the rovers, and multiple body cameras that are live filming footage on the actual playing surface. The realistic perspectives are unmatched.

Overhead drone footage, courtside camera angles, and personalized commentary from the pro speaking directly to you at home. You feel as if you're the only student taking the private lesson.

TopCourt's interviews offer the feeling of a personal conversation.

Pro players are gathered together, then filmed while being mic'd up for one reason - to show you their inner game and key life experiences that shaped them into who they are today. Viewers are offered the perspective of a "fly on the wall," allowing home viewers to witness those rare moments.

Each tennis player/coach presents you with unique skills and training regimens. The campus of TopCourt is very diverse and cross-generational.

The edits are well done with many enhanced cues (such as the mini-court icon at the bottom revealing where the player and each ball bounce are placed).

You get the benefit of all their combined years of experience on tour, which distills differently with each pro's own style and humor in their teaching role. Front and center for every moment.

San Diego Open Fan's Guide to the WTA 500

World's Best Female Tennis Players Star in San Diego!

San Diego usually has picture-perfect weather in October. It welcomes fans ready to enjoy more tennis with its warm beach climate. The WTA will showcase most of the World's Top 20 female players.

Use our SeatGeek discount code for tickets, parking, and even MLS Padres Games!

SeatGeek Tickets are up to 40% OFF
using promo code "TENNISBARGAINS"
(New accounts on 1st purchase only)

Thank you to all the SeatGeek fans who used our promo code. Together with the Tennis United community, we tallied up and doubled our donated amount to Tennis Plays for Peace. Many thanks to all the fans and tennis charities involved! Let's double it again at the next event.

Charity Booth Donations (and Ball Donations):
TopCourt Signed Ball by World #1 Iga Swiatek and other WTA stars playing in the tournament.
Prize Balls will be donated to the charity booths at the Fan Village charities booths.

• Scan the QR code for the player's free personal story trailer video.
• Actual player-used game balls kept from the VIP filming sessions!
• Great collectibles for Halloween and kids!

Acing Autism (Ball: Leylah Fernandez)

Wounded Warriors (Ball: Jessica Pegula)


San Diego Tennis Association (Ball: Aryna Sabalenka)


SCTA Foundation (Ball: Iga Swiatek)

"Surfin' Swiatek" in Style - San Diego Open's Championship Team

Congrats to Iga for sealing her win at the San Diego Open WTA 500!

10 best US Open perks and upgrade

2025 US Open Tennis Tickets and updates

• Fan Week Pass - VIP front-row seating at Armstrong and Grandstand
• Finals Afterparty - Concert on Sept 6 @ 9PM with DJ Odesza
  
  
  During the US Open, check our Facebook page for our giveaways and the latest ticket releases.
  
  

  

  
  

• Join our Friends and Fans US Open group on FB with fellow tennis fans

VIP Chase Lounge Guests on week 1. Welcome to NYC!
Free VIP lounge passes to visiting fans and followers each year (perk #2).

Our ticket-buying tips and discount codes

• Buying early is most helpful in securing round 1 and Labor Day weekend tickets.
• Less stress if you have committed to travel dates and lodging booked.

Buying late or last-minute? You risk paying a bit more for resell.
The trade-off by August after the draw is out. Everyone already knows who's likely playing when and where. There will be a mad dash for the best matches.

How long should you stay for the Open? 3 days or more if you are sightseeing in NYC.

Cover your tennis bases by attending at least 2 consecutive days (day and/or night sessions). That's the best way to see most players on the field. The dates 8/29-8/31 will be a good bet for Rounds 3 and 4.

US Open Fan Week - Week 1 Scouting Report

Tennis-Bargains has returned from NYC after spending the first 8 days of the US Open scouting. We recruited readers to share their stories. We post our real photos, seat shade maps, and impressions on the grounds for all the best goodies to experience.

Watching Felix in action from the front row of the Grandstand

Secret shoppers help us sample all types of food and shops, giving with their honest feedback.

Bonus Perk: Free event tickets. Must sign up each year to get our latest giveaways from our US Open newsletter email

Get all our free tips, tricks, and free perks of the US Open.

Disclosure:
We are not sponsored by the US Open, USTA, JP Morgan, Amex, or any of their paid advertisers.

All opinions below are my own as a "Tennis super fan" for over 15 years.

I will not endorse any perks I haven't personally tested, and even then, only if I would use it myself.

To support USA Tennis and Charities:

We dedicate a small percentage of our ticket profits back to growing the game whenever fans buy tickets directly from our links. You help us continue to operate independently and contribute to charity work each year.

US Tennis is funded with each ticket you buy. Along with Humanitarian and Hurricane relief we donate each year. We also collect dollars from the ticket fees to put them back to support worthy causes responsibly.

Charities we have funded with tennis ticket fees: "Tennis Plays for Peace", "The American Red Cross",  "Aceing Autism," and "USTA with Tennis United."

Tennis travel fans can also follow us on Instagram or join our "US Open Fans and Friends" Facebook Group.

US Open Freebies: some luck, some skill - all good!

US Open Fans and Friends - advance info for savvy fans

Arriving at 9:30 each morning, I discovered some lesser-known perks that even US Open ushers and their supervisors needed to learn.

Our email VIP subscribers (anyone who regularly opens and clicks our links) will get priority access to our previews.

Last month, we revealed this fantastic, all-new 2022 feature called "Chase Pass," which offers only 100 daily bracelets for exclusive access and reserved seating.

Sponsor Faceoff: Chase vs. Amex Perks. Chase Wins 3-2

1. Chase Pass gets you into Grandstand Reserve Seating @ Section 2, Rows M-O (front baseline seats with Chase Logos). Great shade after 4pm! I invite fans and sit with fellow tennis coaches.
   
   
   
2. Chase Lounge - advance RSVP required. It gets you A/C, fruit cups, ice cream, and more. You can bring up to 3 guests. Enjoy! For a standby waitlist, register at the door at 10AM.
   
   

   

   Best Snacks: Free fruit cups, Kind Bars, popcorn, refreshments, ice cream, hat, and A/C!!

   
   
3. Chase Terrance - Great Snacks and Views
   
   

   

   Elevated side-court viewing just behind the Grandstand, overlooks courts 8/9/10

   
   
   

   

   Spreading the joys of tennis; Famous World's Fair globe background.

   
   
4. *No longer offered* - Chase Pass for Reserve Seating at Grandstand
   I often sat here watching players like Matteo Berrettini and Felix Auger-Aliassime from the baseline. For Day 1, I had just paid over $180 for a similar grandstand seat just a few rows away. I discovered the specially-branded Chase logo seats in Section 2! Four daily single matches were played here during week 1.
   
   
   
   

   

   With our seats, you may get a cameo on Netflix while filming Break Point.
   
   

   

   Buying these seats separately will cost you a pretty penny.
   
   

   
   
   After some investigative research and asking around several US Open ushers and supervisors, I discovered the special Chase Pass (limit 100 per day) grants you a bracelet that allows you to sit in the first 3 rows (M-O) of the baseline at the Grandstand court for free!
   
   It was actually outlined on the usher's papers, but many were still learning about it. Most fans had no idea why these seats were all branded "Chase" on the front.