US Open pays tribute on 25th anniversary of 9/11

The US Open observed the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks on Friday. The Arthur Ashe Stadium illuminated light blue from dusk until dawn as the tournament commemorated the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy. American flags were flown at half-mast, honoring the 2,977 victims who died when hijacked planes crashed into the Twin Towers in New York on that day in 2001.

The previous US Open had concluded just two days prior, and Lleyton Hewitt had recently won the men's singles title. James Blake, an American player, was present in Augusta, Georgia, on September 11 and was later in Tampa, Florida. He recounted feeling the sense of safety that had been shattered by the attacks and described the panic that ensued, affecting people at various levels of society.

Blake expressed that the subsequent return of competitive sports, including George W. Bush throwing out the first pitch at a Yankees game, played a significant role in helping the country regain its footing. During the US Open commemorations, a moment of silence was observed before the men's singles semi-finals, and R&B artist JoJo sang the national anthem at Arthur Ashe Stadium.