US Open is underway in NYC. Here’s what to know about security and street closures.

The News Guy

6 months ago

NEW YORK — The US Open starts Monday in New York City, with the biggest names in tennis taking the courts in Queens.

Officials say while there are no specific or credible threats to the tournament, the NYPD is prepared for a safe and smooth event. On average, the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center draws upwards of 80,000 spectators a day.

“Today begins the first round of the 144th US Open Tennis Championship, and the eyes of the world will be on Queens for the next two weeks,” Police Commissioner Edward Caban said. “The NYPD has been planning for this event a lot longer.”

Caban said there will be increased patrols inside and outside the venue, along with screening checkpoints and drones above. He added there will be many safety measures spectators won’t see.

“And, of course, we’ll have the eyes and ears of the public. We cannot overstate how important it is for the people to be engaged, invested and aware,” he said. “If you’re here at the US Open and you see anything that doesn’t look right or feel right, call 911 or tell a police officer right away. Public safety is everyone’s responsibility, especially at large-scale events like this.”

US Open 2024 schedule Monday

The US Open starts Monday and runs through Sept. 8 at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.

Matches started at 11 a.m. on several courts, including Louis Armstrong Stadium, followed by a noon match at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Louis Armstrong Stadium opening matches

Qinwen Zheng (China) vs. Amanda Anisimova (USA) – women’s singles, 11 a.m.Camilo Ugo Carabelli (Argentina) vs. Taylor Fritz (USA) – men’s singles, 11 a.m.
Madison Keys (USA) vs. Katerina Siniakova (Czech Republic) – women’s singles, 11 a.m.
Aleksandar Kovacevic (USA) vs. Frances Tiafoe (USA) – men’s singles, 7 p.m.
Priscilla Hon (Australia) vs. Aryna Sabalenka – women’s singles, 7 p.m.

Arthur Ashe Stadium opening matches

Ben Shelton (USA) vs. Dominic Thiem (Austria) – men’s singles, 12 p.m.
Varvara Gracheva (France) vs. Coco Gauff (USA) – women’s singles, 12 p.m.
Clara Burel (France) vs. Sloane Stephens (USA) – women’s singles, 7 p.m.
Radu Albot (Moldova) vs. Novak Djokovic (Serbia) – men’s singles, 7 p.m.

Click here for the full schedule and more information on how to watch.

US Open 2024 players to watch

Fresh off his victory in the Olympics, 37-year-old Novak Djokovic is hoping to win his first major of the season, a record-breaking 25th overall. His first match is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday against Radu Albot at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

On the women’s side, defending champion Coco Gauff is looking to repeat last year’s success. She plays her opening match at noon Monday against Varvara Gracheva at Arthur Ashe.

The US Open is the final Grand Slam event of the season. Other top players to watch include Naomi Osaka, Carlos Alcaraz and Frances Tiafoe.

Tickets are still available to see all the action here. They range from under $100 to upwards of $1,000.

US Open 2024 street closures

Drivers should expect street closures around the complex all week. Fans are encouraged to use mass transit, either on the 7 train or the Long Island Rail Road.

Arterial Roadways (Entire Length)

Grand Central ParkwayBrooklyn-Queens ExpresswayCross Island ParkwayLong Island ExpresswayWhitestone ExpresswayVan Wyck Expressway

Local Roadways:

Northern Boulevard between Junction Boulevard and Clearview ExpresswayRoosevelt Avenue between Main Street and 104th StreetCollege Point Boulevard between 31st Avenue and Horace Harding Boulevard126th Street/Seaver Way between Roosevelt Avenue and Northern Boulevard111th Street/Saultell Avenue between Roosevelt Avenue and Horace Harding BoulevardAstoria Boulevard between RFK Bridge Plaza and 114th StreetShea Road between 126th Street/Seaver Way and Meridian RoadMeridian Road (Entire Length)

Stick with CBS New York for continuing coverage from the US Open throughout the week.