Changing Courts: The U.S. Open’s Many Surfaces

In the 129-year history of the U.S. Open, the event has been played on three different court surfaces. From its inception in 1881 until 1974, the tournament was played on grass. In 1975, the U.S. Open switched from green lawn to green clay (Har-Tru) after mounting player complaints about the ball’s bounce at Forest Hills. The clay-court run was short-lived, however. Just three years later, the U.S. Open moved from the West Side Tennis Club in Queens to the USTA’s National Tennis Center in nearby Flushing, N.Y. The brand new facility was built with hard courts (DecoTurf II), and the U.S. Open has been played on them ever since.

Advertising

Changing Courts: The U.S. Open’s Many Surfaces

Frances Tiafoe and interviewer Blair Henley show the value of a genuine work relationship

With Kevin Durant watching—before being "old as hell"—Frances Tiafoe wins clay-court opener

Jessica Pegula is ready for a Mario Tennis “Battle of the Sexes” with Taylor Fritz

Rafael Jodar reaches maiden tour-level QF at first ATP clay-court event in Marrakech

Iga Swiatek hires longtime Nadal coach Francisco Roig, begins reset on clay

Madison Keys meets “Southern Charm” stars, weighs in on “Summer House” drama

Ben Shelton and Tommy Paul find that net play works wonders on clay in Houston

🎙️ Jessica Pegula gets real on confidence, clay & finding her edge: Episode 14

Have clay, will play: Tomas Martin Etcheverry overcomes unexpected challenge in Houston

Changing Courts: The U.S. Open’s Many Surfaces