US Open Ticket Prices Surge Despite Sinner, Alcaraz Questions

Ticket prices for the US Open are rising as the world's top tennis players face health concerns. With two weeks left until the tournament begins on August 30, the average ticket price is $322, up from $256 at this time last year. The increase of 17.3% over the past month has been gradual but steady, according to TicketData.

The uncertainty surrounding the tournament's top stars intensified when Jannik Sinner pulled out of the Cincinnati Open due to a knee issue. "I need to withdraw from the Masters 1000 tournament in Cincinnati," Sinner stated, "because my right knee has been bothering me." Sinner's withdrawal came just five days after Carlos Alcaraz also withdrew from the same event due to a wrist injury. Both players are expected to recover in time for the US Open.

Despite the concerns, demand for tickets remains strong. Keith Pagello, a representative from TicketData, noted that ticket prices have risen even with the withdrawals of the two top players. The average price for the opening round is currently $250, compared to $170 at the same time last year—a 47% increase. Arthur Ashe Stadium's day-session tickets have seen a 27.9% increase to an average of $355 over the past 30 days.

The women's draw also features prominent players like Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff, contributing to the overall demand. The biggest impact on ticket prices may occur later in the tournament, when the prices are more reliant on the players who advance. If Sinner and Alcaraz were to miss the tournament, Alexander Zverev, who won the French Open in June, would be the top favorite to win the men's title. Novak Djokovic, Ben Shelton, and Taylor Fritz would also be among the leading contenders.