Fans looking to attend the opening matches of the 2026 U.S. Open are confronting steep resale prices. According to TicketData.com, the get‑in price for a first‑round seat at Flushing Meadows in New York on Aug. 30 is $197. That amount covers both day and night sessions for the Round of 128 and represents a 33.1% rise compared with the final get‑in price for first‑round tickets in 2025.
Overall tournament pricing trends
While the first‑round price has jumped, the average cost for all 60 sessions of the tournament is tracking closer to last year’s levels. Mid‑day pricing on Friday showed an average get‑in price of $283, an 8.6% drop over the past week and only 0.7% above the 2025 average.
Prices for the championship matches remain elevated. The combined average price for the women’s and men’s finals on Sept. 12 and Sept. 13 is $534, up 19.0% from the previous year. In contrast, the average price for the second round has fallen to $206, a 27.0% decline from 2025. The third round averages $266, down 25.3%, and the fourth round also averages $266, down 37.8%.
Player withdrawals and returns
The recent withdrawal of men’s No. 1‑ranked player Jannik Sinner on Friday may influence future pricing, though the full impact remains uncertain. No. 2‑ranked Carlos Alcaraz announced he will compete despite a wrist injury that kept him out of the French Open and Wimbledon.
Former champion Serena Williams, who returned to singles competition at Wimbledon, has not yet confirmed whether she will play singles at the U.S. Open. Speculation persists that she could partner with Alcaraz in the mixed‑doubles event scheduled for Aug. 24‑26.
What this means for fans
For local tennis enthusiasts and traveling supporters, the higher cost of first‑round tickets may require budgeting ahead of the tournament’s start. Resale markets often reflect demand spikes, especially when top‑ranked players withdraw or when marquee matchups are announced.
Fans who are primarily interested in later rounds may find more affordable options, as prices for the second through fourth rounds have decreased significantly compared with last year. However, the premium placed on the finals suggests that demand for championship matches will continue to drive higher prices.
Ticket buyers are encouraged to monitor official U.S. Open channels and reputable resale platforms for price changes as the tournament approaches. Early purchases may help mitigate the impact of price fluctuations tied to player line‑ups and market demand.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
