The US Open Series: North America’s Summer Tennis Tradition 

As the summer sun blazes across North America, tennis fans know it’s time for the US Open Series—a high-octane stretch of hard-court tournaments that sets the stage for the final Grand Slam of the year. Since its launch in 2004, the Series has become a cornerstone of the tennis calendar, offering players a chance to sharpen their form and fans a front-row seat to world-class action.

What Is the US Open Series?

The US Open Series is a coordinated group of North American hard-court tournaments leading up to the US Open in New York City. Created by the USTA, the Series was designed to unify these events under a single brand, boost media coverage, and build excitement for the US Open. It’s a summer-long narrative that gives players a chance to earn bonus prize money and fans a reason to stay glued to the action week after week.

Tournaments and Locations

The Series typically kicks off in mid-July and runs through late August, culminating in the US Open. While the lineup can vary slightly year to year, this year it includes:

1. Mubadala Citi DC Open – Washington, D.C.
2. National Bank Open – Toronto for men and Montreal for women.
3. Western & Southern Open – Cincinnati, Ohio
4. Tennis in the Land – Cleveland, Ohio
5. Winston-Salem Open – Winston-Salem, North Carolina
6. US Open – New York City, New York

These tournaments offer ATP and WTA players a chance to compete on similar surfaces and conditions to those at the US Open, making them ideal preparation grounds.

A Legacy of Momentum

The Series has played a pivotal role in shaping summer tennis in the U.S. Before its creation, these tournaments operated independently, often struggling for visibility. The US Open Series brought cohesion, increased prize incentives, and a compelling storyline that rewarded consistency across events.

Players like Serena Williams, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have all used the Series as a springboard to US Open glory. In 2013, Nadal famously swept the Canada Masters, Cincinnati Masters, and US Open—a feat dubbed the “Summer Slam.”

Why It Still Matters

Today, the US Open Series continues to thrive, offering fans a thrilling lead-up to the Grand Slam finale and giving players a competitive edge. With top-tier talent, passionate crowds, and high-stakes tennis, the Series remains a vital part of the sport’s summer rhythm. Who do you think will be most dominant this year?

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