The energy in New York is already electric as the 145th edition of the US Open gets underway, but before the world’s best tennis players battle for Grand Slam glory, Arthur Ashe Stadium is set to host a spectacle of its own. On the evening of August 21, 2025, the “Stars of the Open” exhibition match will light up Flushing Meadows, pairing legendary champions, rising stars, and even a few crossover celebrities for a cause that goes beyond tennis.
This year’s exhibition, presented by Chase, is more than just a curtain-raiser for the US Open. It’s a celebration of the sport’s past, present, and future, with proceeds supporting the USTA Foundation’s tennis and educational programs for under-resourced communities. Thousands of fans are expected to fill the iconic stadium, eager to witness matchups that blend nostalgia, athleticism, and pure entertainment.
The action kicks off at 7 p.m. ET, with ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes carrying the live broadcast for fans across the globe. Streaming options abound, with DirecTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling Orange & Blue all offering ways for tennis aficionados to catch every rally, volley, and laugh from the comfort of home. For those looking to tune in without breaking the bank, free trial periods are available for new subscribers on select streaming platforms.
So, who’s taking the court for this star-studded event? The lineup reads like a who’s who of tennis royalty and fan favorites. In the opening bout, Coco Gauff, the homegrown sensation and current Wimbledon champion, joins forces with none other than Andre Agassi, the American legend who captured hearts and headlines in the 1990s. Their opponents? Venus Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, and John McEnroe, the ever-colorful icon known as much for his fiery on-court persona as for his seven major titles.
Next up, the future meets the past as João Fonseca, the Brazilian prodigy who has already cracked the world’s top 50 and claimed the ATP Next Generation Finals, partners with Argentina’s Juan Martín Del Potro. Del Potro, beloved for his 2009 US Open triumph and his resilience through injury, returns to New York alongside Fonseca to face Andy Roddick, the last American man to win the US Open, and Alex Michelsen, a promising young American eager to make his mark.
But the exhibition isn’t just about the singles stars. The tennis couple of Elina Svitolina and Gaël Monfils—both crowd favorites for their charisma and flair—will take on Italian duo Flavia Pennetta, a former US Open champion, and rising star Flavio Cobolli in mixed doubles action. Svitolina and Monfils are no strangers to this event; two years ago, they participated in a similar exhibition that raised funds for Ukraine, and their chemistry on court is sure to delight fans once again.
Rounding out the evening is a doubles clash featuring Dana Mathewson & Jack Sock against Bethanie Mattek-Sands & Casey Ratzlaff, showcasing both established champions and trailblazers in the sport. The diversity of the lineup reflects the inclusive spirit of tennis and the US Open’s commitment to recognizing excellence across generations and backgrounds.
Adding even more star power to the night, special guests like soccer superstar Alex Morgan and Grammy-winning producer Mustard will be in attendance, bridging the worlds of sports and entertainment. Their appearances are set to amplify the celebratory mood and bring new fans into the fold.
“Stars of the Open” is more than a showcase—it’s a testament to the enduring appeal of tennis and its power to unite. The event’s charitable focus ensures that while legends and newcomers trade shots on the court, the real winners are the communities benefiting from the USTA Foundation’s programs. A portion of every ticket sold goes directly to supporting tennis and educational initiatives for under-resourced youth, making every cheer from the stands echo with purpose.
For those keeping an eye on the main event, the US Open proper begins on Sunday, August 24, with two weeks of high-stakes drama ahead. The men’s draw is headlined by defending champion Jannik Sinner, who’s battling illness but remains determined to defend his crown. Carlos Alcaraz, who first claimed the US Open trophy in 2022, is hungry to reclaim his title. On the women’s side, Aryna Sabalenka, the current world number one, is aiming to go back-to-back in New York after coming up short in the Australian Open and French Open finals earlier this year. But with Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek and home favorite Coco Gauff in the mix, the road to the title is anything but straightforward.
The field is brimming with breakout stars and compelling storylines. Ben Shelton, fresh off his maiden Masters 1000 title in Toronto, is looking to avoid early exits at the hands of Sinner or Alcaraz and make a deep run. Jiri Mensik, the 19-year-old Czech sensation who stunned Novak Djokovic to win his first Masters 1000 in Miami, is tipped for a big showing on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows. João Fonseca, already a champion in Buenos Aires and Saudi Arabia, makes his main draw debut at the US Open, hoping to build on his third-round appearances at the French Open and Wimbledon.
The women’s draw is just as intriguing. Victoria Mboko, who surged into the top 30 after a dazzling run to her first WTA title in Montreal—where she toppled four Grand Slam champions including Gauff and Rybakina—arrives with a jaw-dropping 51-9 record for 2025. Clara Tauson, now in the world’s top 20 and boasting a much-improved first serve percentage, is out to break her second-round curse in New York. And let’s not forget Daria Andreeva, whose WTA 1000 triumphs in Dubai and Indian Wells and quarter-final runs at Roland Garros and Wimbledon have made her a popular pick for a maiden Grand Slam title—if she’s fully recovered from her recent injury setback.
Fans of Ukrainian tennis will be especially invested, as Elina Svitolina, Marta Kostyuk, Dayana Yastremska, and Yuliia Starodubtseva have all secured spots in the main draw, keeping hopes alive after four compatriots fell short in qualifying.
As the sun sets over Arthur Ashe Stadium and the “Stars of the Open” take center stage, it’s clear that tennis is set for another unforgettable fortnight in New York. Whether you’re tuning in for the legends, the rising stars, or the good cause at the heart of the night, there’s no shortage of reasons to watch as the world’s best rally for more than just glory.
