You want to see Novak Djokovic or Coco Gauff hit a tennis ball from ten feet away without paying three hundred bucks for a nosebleed seat at Arthur Ashe Stadium. I get it. Honestly, US Open Fan Week is probably the best-kept secret in New York sports, though it's getting way more crowded lately. The centerpiece of the whole thing is the US Open Fan Week practice schedule, but if you’ve ever tried to find a definitive, minute-by-minute itinerary online three weeks in advance, you’ve probably realized it’s kind of a nightmare.
The USTA doesn't just hand out a static PDF. Pro tennis is chaotic. Players change their minds based on how their bodies feel or if a practice session goes long.
If you show up at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center expecting a giant digital scoreboard with everyone's names on it the second you walk through the gates, you might be disappointed. You have to know where to look. More importantly, you have to know how the players think.
Why the US Open Fan Week Practice Schedule is So Hard to Pin Down
Let’s be real for a second. These athletes are creatures of habit, but they are also incredibly protective of their routines. A practice session isn't just a "show" for the fans; it’s their final tune-up before a Grand Slam.
The schedule is fluid.
Usually, the official US Open Fan Week practice schedule is updated in real-time on the official US Open app. If you aren't using the app, you're basically flying blind. Even then, "10:00 AM on Court 5" might actually mean 10:15 AM, or it might mean the player decided to switch to a closed court at the last second because they didn't like the wind.
During Fan Week—which typically runs the week before the main draw starts—the grounds are open to the public for free. You just need a Fan Access Pass (a QR code you get on their website). But once you're in, the hunt begins. The big names like Alcaraz or Sabalenka usually headline the practice sessions on the show courts like Louis Armstrong Stadium or Grandstand.
The "Hidden" Board
While the app is your best friend, there is often a physical practice board or digital kiosks near the practice courts (Courts 1-6 are the prime viewing spots). It’s basically a spreadsheet brought to life. You’ll see names scribbled next to times. Pro tip: if you see a crowd gathering at a random court with no player in sight, stay there. Tennis fans are like bloodhounds. If twenty people are hovering around Court 4 with oversized yellow tennis balls and Sharpies, someone famous is coming.
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Timing Your Visit for Maximum Star Power
Early bird gets the worm. Or in this case, the autograph.
Most top-tier players prefer morning sessions before the New York humidity turns the National Tennis Center into a literal sauna. If you arrive when the gates open (usually around 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM), you’ll catch the early birds.
Usually, the US Open Fan Week practice schedule ramps up in intensity as the week progresses. Tuesday and Wednesday are the "sweet spots." By Friday or Saturday, the stars are tapering off or doing shorter, more intense hits.
- Monday/Tuesday: Lots of lower-ranked players fighting through qualifying rounds. Great energy, but maybe fewer "household names" on the practice courts.
- Wednesday/Thursday: Peak Fan Week. This is when the Big Three (or whatever we're calling the top seeds now) are most likely to be out on the grounds for hour-long blocks.
- Friday/Saturday: The atmosphere gets rowdy. The Arthur Ashe Kids' Day usually happens on Saturday, which makes the practice schedule even weirder because certain courts are blocked off for performances.
Where exactly are they hitting?
The "Practice Gallery" is where you want to be. It’s a raised viewing platform that sits between several courts. You can literally look down and see five different world-class practices happening simultaneously. It’s loud, it’s hectic, and it’s the best way to see the sheer speed of a pro-level groundstroke. Seeing it on TV doesn't do it justice. The ball sounds like a gunshot when Alcaraz hits a forehand.
The Qualifying Tournament Factor
While you're hunting for the US Open Fan Week practice schedule, don't forget that actual competitive matches are happening. The Qualifying Tournament runs concurrently with Fan Week. These are players ranked roughly #100 to #250 in the world fighting for a spot in the main draw.
It’s high-stakes. It’s gritty. And it’s free.
Sometimes the practice courts are packed because everyone is trying to see the legends, but if you walk over to a back court where a qualifying match is happening, you'll see some of the most desperate, intense tennis of your life. Honestly, I find the qualifying matches more entertaining than a relaxed practice session where a star is just half-speeding some backhands.
Getting the Most Out of the App
Look, the US Open app has its flaws, but for the practice schedule, it’s the only game in town. There is a specific "Practice" tab. Refresh it constantly.
Players like Frances Tiafoe or Naomi Osaka might pop up on the schedule only 60 minutes before they walk out. If you’re sitting in the Food Village eating a $25 lobster roll (yes, they’re expensive, even during Fan Week), check the app every ten minutes.
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- Filter by court: If you’re tired of walking, just see who is coming to the court nearest to you.
- Star your favorites: The app can send push notifications for certain players, though this feature is sometimes buggy depending on your signal strength. The Wi-Fi at the Billie Jean King center is okay, but with 30,000 people using it, it can crawl.
Practical Advice for the Grounds
Don't be that person who brings a giant backpack. Security is tight. Check the prohibited items list before you leave your hotel or apartment. If you bring a bag that’s too big, you’ll end up waiting in a "bag check" line that feels longer than the line for the 7 train.
Wear sunscreen. I cannot emphasize this enough. The concrete at Flushing Meadows reflects the sun like a mirror. You will cook.
And water? Bring a reusable bottle. There are filling stations. Paying $7 for a bottle of water every hour is a quick way to ruin the "free" aspect of Fan Week.
What Most People Get Wrong About Fan Week
People think Fan Week is just a "lite" version of the US Open. It's not. In some ways, it's more intense because you're closer to the action.
However, the biggest misconception is that the US Open Fan Week practice schedule is a guarantee. It's a guide, not a contract. If a player is nursing a sore shoulder, they will cancel. If they found a private court in the Hamptons to avoid the crowds, they will go there.
Manage your expectations. You might not see Djokovic. But you might see a 17-year-old phenom who becomes world number one in three years. That’s the real magic of being there during the lead-up.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
To make the most of your time at Flushing Meadows, follow this workflow:
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- Download the US Open App 24 hours before you go. Familiarize yourself with the interface so you aren't fumbling with it at the gate.
- Register for your Fan Access Pass early. It’s free, but doing it on your phone while standing in the entry line is a pain. Save the QR code to your Apple or Google Wallet.
- Check the weather and the "order of play" the night before. While the practice schedule isn't out then, the Qualifying Match schedule is. It’ll give you a sense of which courts will be occupied by matches and which will be available for practices.
- Head straight to the Practice Gallery upon arrival. Get your bearings. See who is currently on Courts 1-6. This is usually the "hub" of the big-name activity.
- Follow local tennis journalists on X (formerly Twitter). Often, beat writers will tweet out things like "Just saw Medvedev heading to P4," which is faster than the app updates.
Go early, stay hydrated, and keep your eyes on the practice boards. You'll likely see more tennis in four hours of Fan Week than you would in an entire day of the main tournament.