US Open faces challenges as tennis competes with NFL overshadowing fan interest
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 14, 2026, 2:03 PM
Last updated Sep 14, 2026
At the 2026 US Open, tennis matches drew passionate crowds, but the event struggled with distractions from influencers and competing NFL broadcasts. Ben Shelton and Alexander Zverev played a thrilling four-set men's final. Elena Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka in the women's final, showcasing a strong rivalry. Attendees experienced excellent tennis, but ticket prices and timing issues raised concerns about the audience's motivations for attending. The US Open's approach to scheduling may need reevaluation, as its men's final coincides with NFL Week 1.
- •Ben Shelton and Alexander Zverev competed in a four-set men's final.
- •Elena Rybakina won against Aryna Sabalenka in the women's final.
- •Influencers' presence overshadowed tennis for some early attendees.
- •Ticket prices for the final were reported below $400.
- •The US Open's final conflicts with the start of the NFL season.
- 2:03 PMYahoo Sports — The US Open has a problem, and it's not the tennis
"At the US Open, the tennis is great, but the influencers in the stands and competing against the NFL not so much.
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