U.S. Open Fan week began to wrap up at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center Saturday, with a focus on young tennis fans.

Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day is an annual event with the goal of inspiring the next generation of tennis stars.


What You Need To Know

  • The U.S. Open hosted young people Saturday for Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, a chance to inspire the next generation of tennis stars

  • Arthur Ashe is the only Black man to win the singles title at Wimbledon, the U.S. Open and the Australian 

  • The event is free and open to the public, as kids from across the five boroughs come out for the fun on the grounds of the National Tennis Center

“I look forward to seeing all the tennis players,” Aiden Fernandez, a 12-year-old from Woodhaven, said.

The same goes for Madison Cagata, 9, who said she enjoys, “watching all of the famous tennis players, like Novak Djokovic, if he’s here.”

Stanley Oriala, 12, came out with his siblings and parents. He likes “watching the matches, seeing the energy of the players.”

Kids of all ages have the chance to work on their tennis skills with a variety of games and challenges. Some have never picked up a racket before. Others are more competitive.

“I like playing it, and also I like winning it,” Cagata said. She said she has big dreams of winning a lot of challenges and the Olympics when she’s older.

The free and open to the public event also includes face painting, balloon artists and musical performances — all celebrating the life and legacy of tennis icon Arthur Ashe.

Ashe is the only Black man to win the singles title at Wimbledon, the U.S. Open and the Australian Open.

“It feels pretty special. This tournament only comes once a year. It’s a pretty special tournament,” Oriala said. He said Ashe is an inspiration to him and other players of color.

Organizers describe Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day as an effort to bring the sport of tennis to underserved communities in the city.

“We usually try to come out every year. To expose them to different things, because in our nationality, we don’t have too many famous [people], only big people you hear, is like Serena, Coco,” said Kateri Gonzalez, a parent who came with her children, who are Afro-Latino.

Fan Week, a chance for New Yorkers to enjoy the U.S. Open for free, concludes on Sunday. The tournament itself begins on Monday.