US Open: Serena’s Return, Sky-High Ticket Prices, and Honey Deuces

The 2026 US Open main draw begins on Sunday, with several high-profile storylines anticipated, including the return of Serena Williams to the tournament after a two-year hiatus. Williams and her sister Venus, along with Carlos Alcaraz, who is set to compete in doubles after his recent singles withdrawal, are among the returning players to watch.

The defending champion Alcaraz's presence adds to the intrigue, especially after world No. 1 Jannik Sinner withdrew from the tournament. The US Open has also set a record for player compensation, with a total of $108 million announced after a media protest at the French Open. While fans are eagerly anticipating the on-court action, questions remain about the new Grand Slam Player Advisory Council, which aims to provide more player involvement in decision-making for future tournaments.

Ticket prices for the tournament have surged, with the average price reaching $280, up 15% from the previous year, despite a slight decrease in overall attendance. Despite the high prices, the US Open continues to attract a large crowd, with an estimated 1.14 million attendees in the past year. Additionally, the tournament is known for its vibrant off-court activities, particularly the iconic Honey Deuce cocktail, which has once again broken sales records this year.