Headed to the U.S. Open? Here’s your etiquette guide to looking polished courtside! Plus what not to do during a match. Whether you’re in VIP or general admission, here’s how to dress, cheer, and show up polished at the U.S. Open. This guide covers U.S. Open fashion, tennis etiquette, and how to be a respectful spectator.
Dress Code Do’s and Don’ts
The U.S. Open may not have a strict dress code for guests, but fashion plays a leading role in the stands, especially in New York!
DO:
- Dress for style and function. Think polished sundresses, midi skirts, wide-leg trousers, or tailored linen looks.
- Lean into preppy tennis-core: crisp collars, white and navy, loafers, oversized sunglasses, and statement accessories.
- Bring a layer! Stadium temps can shift from blazing sun to breezy shade.
DON’T:
- Overdo athletic wear unless you’re playing. This is not the time for gym shorts or beat-up sneakers.
- Wear towering heels. Stadium steps are steep so opt for chic flats, wedges, or low block heels.
- Forget a hat or sunscreen if you’re attending a day match. Shade isn’t always guaranteed.
How to Clap, Cheer, and Behave in the Stands
Tennis is a sport of focus and precision, and the etiquette reflects that.
DO:
- Applaud great shots and effort from both players, not just your favorite.
- Clap at the right moments - only after a point ends, never mid-rally.
- Stay seated during play. If you need to leave or return, wait for the changeover between games.
DON’T:
- Shout, whistle, or heckle players. This isn’t a football game.
- Use flash photography or talk on your phone.
- Eat loudly, unwrap snacks during play, or block the view of others with oversized signs or hats.
VIP vs. General Admission Etiquette
Whether you're courtside or in the grandstands, etiquette applies across every ticket tier.
VIP Guests:
- You may be seated in suites or reserved rows. Acknowledge hosts and avoid excessive selfies. Discretion is key.
- You’ll often be offered drinks or hors d'oeuvres; be polite to servers and avoid overindulging.
- Dress codes may be slightly elevated. Think Hamptons meets Fifth Avenue!
General Admission:
- Be courteous in crowded sections - let people pass, avoid standing for too long, and be mindful of volume.
- Save your seat with care, but don’t monopolize space.
- If bringing kids, prep them ahead of time on behavior expectations.
BONUS TIPS
15 Tennis Terms to Know Before the US Open (So You Can Mingle Like a Pro)
- Love – In tennis scoring, love means zero. So if the score is "15-love," the server has one point and the opponent has none. It’s French in origin—because nothing says tennis like a little flair.
- Deuce – When both players have 40 points, it’s called deuce. From here, a player needs to win two points in a row to win the game.
- Advantage (Ad-In / Ad-Out) – After deuce, the next point is called advantage. If the server wins it, it’s “ad-in.” If the receiver does, it’s “ad-out.” If they lose the next point, it goes back to deuce.
- Game – Set – Match – A match is made up of sets, and sets are made up of games. You need to win 6 games (by 2) to win a set, and usually 2–3 sets to win a match (depending on the round or gender of the players).
- Break Point – When the receiver is one point away from winning the game, it’s called a break point. Breaking an opponent’s serve is a big deal—it’s momentum-shifting.
- Ace – A serve that’s so good the other player doesn’t touch it. Total power move. You’ll hear cheers and a bit of a collective gasp when it happens.
- Let – If the ball hits the net on a serve but still lands in the service box, it’s a let and the server gets to try again.
- Tiebreak – If the set score hits 6-6, players play a tiebreak to decide the set. It’s the race to 7 points (win by 2), and always high-drama!
- Seed – A seeded player is one of the top-ranked players in the tournament. The top seed is ranked #1. These players are often favorites to win.
- Grand Slam – There are four Grand Slam tournaments: the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. Winning all four in a year is the ultimate feat.
- Serve and Volley – A playing style where a player serves and immediately rushes the net to volley the return. It’s old-school, fast-paced, and thrilling to watch.
- Rally – A rally is a continuous exchange of shots. Long rallies get the crowd going, especially during intense matches.
- Unforced Error – A mistake made by a player that wasn’t caused by the opponent. Expect commentators to mention these a lot—they're a key stat.
- Double Fault – If a player misses both of their serve attempts, it’s called a double fault, and they lose the point. Ouch.
- Wild Card – A wild card is a player invited to play in the tournament even if they didn’t qualify by ranking. Often young rising stars or beloved comeback stories.
Bonus: How the Scoring Works (In a Nutshell)
Each game goes like this:
0 (love) → 15 → 30 → 40 → Game
Win 6 games (by 2) to win a set
Win 2 sets out of 3 (or 3 out of 5 in men’s major matches) to win the match
Final Takeaways Before You Head to Queens
- Arrive early so you’re not rushing in during a quiet moment of play.
- Check your bag size, some items aren’t permitted inside the stadium.
- Hydrate (with water) and wear comfortable clothes, especially if attending multiple matches.
- Lastly, remember the players and fans around you are there for the experience—your good manners help elevate it.
Attending the U.S. Open is as much a cultural event as it is a sporting one. Whether you’re there for the tennis or the style (or both), showing up with courtesy, awareness, and courtside chic will always make you a crowd favorite.
