The U.S. Open developed from one of the oldest tennis championships in the world: the U.S. National Championship, which was established in 1881 as a national men’s singles and doubles competition. The tournament was open only to clubs that were members of the U.S. National Lawn Tennis Association (USLTA; now the USTA)

The US Open Tennis Championships is a hardcourt tennis tournament. Since 1987, the US Open has been chronologically the fourth and final Grand Slam tournament of the year. The other three, in chronological order, are the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon. The US Open starts on the last Monday of August and continues for two weeks, with the middle weekend coinciding with the US Labor Day.

There will be some key contrasts when it comes to COVID vaccinations at the U.S. Open tennis tournament By HOWARD FENDRICH AP Tennis Writer August 28, 2021 at 3:05 PM

An ATP spokesman said Saturday that just above 50% of male players are vaccinated and the men's tour “continues to strongly recommend vaccination to players.“

US Open players don't need COVID shots but fans, others do

For one thing, players and their team members do not need to be vaccinated, but the spectators who have paid to watch them — and at some courts can get close enough to the action to offer high-fives — now must be able to show they have had at least one shot.

Plus, among the players, there are those, such as No. 1-ranked Novak Djokovic, who frame the decision about whether to get a shot as a purely personal choice. And there are those, such as Murray, who explain it as being not just about protecting oneself but also about helping others.

“I feel like I’m enjoying kind of a fairly normal life, whereas for the players that haven’t, it’s different. I’m sure they’ll be frustrated with that. Ultimately, I guess the reason why all of us are getting vaccinated is to look out for the wider public. We have a responsibility as players that are traveling across the world to look out for everyone else, as well,” Murray said. “I’m happy that I’m vaccinated. I’m hoping that more players choose to have it in the coming months.”

An ATP spokesman said Saturday that just above 50% of male players are vaccinated and the tour “continues to strongly recommend vaccination to players.” The WTA didn't immediately respond to a request for information.

As recently as Wednesday, the U.S. Tennis Association said fans wouldn't need to be vaccinated. But, prompted by the New York mayor's office, the USTA did an about-face Friday, making it mandatory for fans over 12 years old entering the grounds to show proof they've received one dose — drawing praise on social media from those pleased about the extra layer of precaution and complaints from others upset about the policy and its timing. ^{1) 2)}

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