The US Open 2026 has become a focal point for discussions about accessibility and affordability in major tennis events. A grounds pass for the tournament is listed at $363, a price point that has drawn scrutiny from both billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman and New York City Council member Zohran Mamdani. Ackman, who typically supports initiatives that align with his financial interests, has questioned the price in relation to the USTA’s mission to promote the sport — Mamdani, on the other hand, has taken action by securing 1,000 $100 tickets for New York residents, which attracted over 336,000 applications.

Player Controversies and Comebacks

Aryna Sabalenka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, is under pressure to rediscover her form on hard courts, and After a string of recent losses, including a fourth-round defeat at the Cincinnati Open, Sabalenka has expressed confidence in her ability to rebound. “These tough lessons are definitely going to make me way, way stronger,” she said. Her recent struggles have opened the door for players like Elena Rybakina, who could reclaim the world number one ranking without winning a match at Flushing Meadows.

Carlos Alcaraz, the defending champion, faces his own challenges as he returns from a lengthy injury break, and the Spanish star has yet to regain full confidence in his injured wrist, raising questions about his performance at the US Open. Alcaraz’s early matches will be closely watched for signs of his usual dominance.

Ticket Accessibility and Public Reaction

The US Open has long been marketed as a “people’s slam,” with the idea that fans can travel to Queens and experience the tournament up close for a relatively low cost. However, the current pricing model has sparked a backlash, as the USTA, a non-profit organization, has been questioned about how a $363 grounds pass aligns with its mission to promote tennis. The controversy has brought together unlikely allies like Ackman and Mamdani, who have typically been on opposite sides of New York’s affordability debate.

For those who can afford the premium, the resale market offers even more expensive options; a $65 ticket with no guaranteed seat can fetch over five times that amount on the tournament’s resale platform. This disparity has led to frustration among fans who feel increasingly priced out of the experience.

Notable Matches and Early Results

Early matches have already captured attention, with top-seeded players like Jessica Pegula and Daniil Medvedev making strong first-round appearances; Pegula, the highest-ranked American woman, defeated Elena-Gabriela Ruse in her debut match at Flushing Meadows. Medvedev, who recently joked about switching to pickleball in a moment of frustration, delivered a more serious performance, defeating Hugo Gaston with relative ease.

The tournament’s opening day featured a packed schedule, with matches beginning as early as 9:00 AM in some regions — Novak Djokovic and Jessica Pegula were among the top attractions, with their matches drawing significant attention from global audiences. The event is broadcast live on Disney+ Plan Premium, ensuring a wide reach for fans unable to attend in person.