What is the next major tennis tournament in 2024?

The next major tennis tournament in 2024 is the US Open, which starts on August 26 and runs through September 8 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York. It’s the fourth and final Grand Slam of the year, and it’s where the biggest names in tennis go to close out their season with a bang. If you’re wondering what’s coming up after Wimbledon or the French Open, the US Open is the answer - and it’s the only major played on hard courts in the late summer heat, making it one of the most physically demanding events on the calendar.

Why the US Open stands out

The US Open isn’t just another tournament. It’s the one with the loudest crowds, the most dramatic night sessions, and the fastest courts. Unlike Roland Garros with its slow red clay or Wimbledon’s grass that can turn slippery, the hard courts at Flushing Meadows reward power, aggression, and consistency. Players like Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Świątek, and Jannik Sinner have all used the US Open to launch their careers - or cement their legacies.

The tournament features five main events: men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles, and mixed doubles. There’s also a strong junior and wheelchair circuit that runs alongside the main draw. Over 128 players in each singles draw battle through seven rounds just to reach the final. The prize money? Over $60 million in total, with the singles champions taking home more than $3 million each.

What comes after the US Open?

After the US Open ends in early September, the ATP and WTA tours shift into the fall swing. This isn’t a Grand Slam, but it’s still packed with top players trying to finish the season strong and lock in their year-end rankings. The next big events are the ATP 500 and WTA 500 tournaments - places like Beijing, Tokyo, and Vienna. These events offer fewer points than a Slam, but they’re crucial for players fighting for a spot in the Nitto ATP Finals or the WTA Finals in Riyadh.

Then comes the indoor hard court season, starting in early October with events like the Shanghai Masters and the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells (though Indian Wells actually happens in March - it’s part of the spring swing). The real highlight after the US Open? The ATP and WTA Finals in November. Only the top 8 men and top 8 women of the year qualify. It’s a round-robin format, and it often decides who ends the year as world No. 1.

Who’s likely to win in 2024?

On the men’s side, Carlos Alcaraz is the favorite after winning the tournament in 2023. He’s young, explosive, and has the game to dominate on hard courts. But don’t count out Jannik Sinner - he’s been climbing the rankings with steady, powerful play. Novak Djokovic, even at 37, still shows up in the later rounds and has won the US Open five times. He’s not the favorite, but he’s never out of the conversation.

On the women’s side, Iga Świątek is the player to beat. She won the title in 2022 and reached the final in 2023. Her heavy topspin and mental toughness make her the most dangerous player on hard courts right now. Coco Gauff, the home favorite, has been improving every year. She made her first Grand Slam final here in 2022 and still has unfinished business. Aryna Sabalenka, the 2023 Australian Open champ, is another top contender - her serve and forehand can blow anyone off the court.

How to watch the US Open

If you’re in the U.S., ESPN and ESPN2 carry every match. Outside the U.S., the broadcast rights vary. In the UK, it’s Amazon Prime Video. In Australia, it’s beIN Sports. Most streaming services offer live coverage, and the official US Open app lets you watch matches on the go. The night sessions are always the most exciting - they start at 7 p.m. Eastern Time and feature the biggest names. If you’re in Australia, that means you’re watching at 9 a.m. the next day. Set your alarm.

What to expect from the 2024 tournament

This year’s US Open will be the first with a new rule: players must wear a uniform approved by the USTA’s dress code. No more wild patterns - think clean lines, solid colors, and branded logos only. It’s a small change, but it’s part of a bigger effort to modernize the look of the tournament.

Also, the tournament is expanding its sustainability efforts. The courts are now made with recycled rubber, and all food packaging is compostable. The organizers have cut single-use plastics by 85% since 2020. If you’re attending in person, you’ll notice more recycling stations and water refill points.

Key dates to remember

• August 26: First round begins
• September 1: Women’s semifinals
• September 2: Men’s semifinals
• September 7: Women’s final
• September 8: Men’s final

Qualifying rounds start on August 20. If you’re following rising stars like Dominic Stricker or Mirra Andreeva, this is where you’ll see them try to sneak into the main draw.

Is the US Open the only major left in 2024?

Yes. The four Grand Slams happen in this order each year: Australian Open (January), French Open (May-June), Wimbledon (June-July), then the US Open (August-September). After that, there are no more majors. The rest of the year is made up of ATP 1000s, WTA 1000s, and smaller events. But none of them carry the same weight, the same pressure, or the same spotlight as the US Open.

If you’re a tennis fan, this is your last big event of the year. The weather’s hot, the crowds are loud, and the stakes are higher than ever. Whether you’re watching from your couch or sitting courtside, the US Open is where legends are made - and where careers can change in just two weeks.