I arrived at the U.S. Open for the first time on Labor Day. My mom and I were warmly welcomed at the grand Billie Jean King National Tennis Center gates. This day marked the fourth round of the men’s single U.S. Open tournament, where Daniil Medvedev and Nuno Borges would face off to battle for a place in the quarterfinals.
If you have attended a live sporting event, you know that watching it on your TV at home and being a part of the crowd are two distinct experiences. While each has its pros and cons, for me, the only con of watching an event live is not being able to hear the broadcasting and commentary.
Thankfully, my worries vanished as I was greeted with a complementary radio earpiece that provided live audio play-by-play and updates. As I put on my earpiece, I was delighted to hear the voices of two former international tennis superstars and brothers John and Patrick McEnroe. Their quick remarks and insightful commentary made me feel fully immersed and in tune with the sport and the audience, not to mention their hilarious quips that led me to laugh audibly in a pin-drop silent stadium.
As I made my way through the plaza to Arthur Ashe Stadium, I couldn’t contain my awe and excitement as I caught a first glimpse of the crisp green and blue court.
The U.S. Open, one of tennis’ four Grand Slam tournaments, is a highlight of the tennis calendar. Held in a stadium named after Billie Jean King, one of tennis’ greatest champions and female tennis pioneers, is renowned for its hard surfaces, which contribute to the fast-paced nature of the tournament.
Soon enough, the time had come for the match: Medvedev vs. Borges.
As I made my way through the plaza to Arthur Ashe Stadium, I couldn’t contain my awe and excitement as I caught a first glimpse of the crisp green and blue court. The gleaming sunlight perfectly divided the stadium down the center. I quickly realized how lucky I was to be in the shaded area with a warm breeze wafting in from the court in front of me. Throughout the match, I noticed people migrating away from the scorching sun to find a spot in the shade.
As the match began, it did not take a tennis expert to notice that Medvedev, former U.S. Open champion, portrayed dominance and expertise. Across the net, Borges appeared nervous. After all, he was taunted by the pressure of the world’s largest tennis stage. The crowd quickly caught on to this dynamic and began rooting for the underdog, Borges. In the final set, as Borges evened the score by securing the point of an especially competitive round he passionately pumped his fist to the sky and was met with a tremendous roar from the crowd.
Perhaps I mistook my U.S. Open ticket for a Wimbledon pass as I was searching through my closet for something to wear,
Throughout the match, the star-studded audience made appearances on the big screen above the court. I was particularly excited to see Anna Wintour, but despite the fashion icon’s presence, the sartorial atmosphere of the U.S. Open was casual. Perhaps I mistook my U.S. Open ticket for a Wimbledon pass as I was searching through my closet for something to wear, but thankfully, I played it safe and went with sneakers and a comfortable dress.
Though the Open may not have been the fashion show I anticipated, the ball persons — the young people who supply and retrieve tennis balls to and from the players during a match — were dressed in head-to-toe Ralph Lauren. Their luxurious uniforms highlighted the fashionable undertone that always accompanies grand slams.
Medvedev and Borges sported vibrant athletic shorts and contrasting white T-shirts.
Ultimately, Medvedev put an end to Borges’ momentum in the third set and finished the match victoriously.
Just as I thought the excitement was coming to an end, I glanced over my left shoulder to spot none other than Billie Jean King herself being interviewed, rocking a vibrant purple suit.
While fans at the U.S. Open cheer on their favorite tennis stars, a dedicated team works behind the scenes to ensure the event runs smoothly. Bianca Ortega, Gabelli School of Business at Lincoln Center ’25, is one of the many interns making it happen this year. As part of the event services team, she offers a unique perspective on the inner workings of one of tennis’ biggest tournaments.
Ortega’s day starts early, often arriving at 8:30 a.m. to prepare entry points and assist patrons. “We like to say ‘every person is like a VIP,’” she said. Her duties range from helping guests find their seats to ensuring the event flows seamlessly. She describes the atmosphere as “organized chaos,” where every moment brings something new.
One of her favorite moments from the Open involved meeting a woman who attended the Open for the last 15 years. “She told me it’s magical,” Ortega recalled. Amidst this conversation with the woman, an upset occurred during an ongoing match, to which Ortega “got chills” and took a moment to reflect, “That’s when you realize you’re part of something much bigger.”
As fans focus on the matches, Ortega pays attention to details most people miss. From checking logos to managing lines, every aspect is essential to making the event a success. “Seeing signs go up that I helped work on was a really cool moment,” she said.
Ortega expected her internship to be fast-paced, and while it certainly is, she didn’t anticipate the amount of desk work involved before the tournament began. “There was a lot of prep work leading up to the Open,” she said, explaining that the foundation for a successful event starts long before the first serve.
Now nearing the end of her summer internship, Ortega reflects on her time at the U.S. Open with pride. “I couldn’t recommend this internship enough,” she said. Whether you’re cheering from the stands or working tirelessly behind the scenes, the U.S. Open is more than just a tennis tournament — it’s a blend of excitement, tradition and unforgettable moments that capture the heart of the game.