When Arthur Ashe Stadium opened its gates in 1997, it simultaneously opened a new era for the US Open. The arena, named for one of tennis’ all-time champions and grandest ambassadors, quickly established itself as the game’s greatest stage; a spectacular centerpiece for an event whose global appeal had spurred its remarkable growth. With its 23,000-plus seats, Arthur Ashe Stadium allowed more fans the chance to witness first-hand the tournament’s singular sizzle, while simultaneously affording the game’s greatest talents a fitting floorboard upon which to showcase their incredible talents. Like its host city, Arthur Ashe Stadium is unapologetically large and loud; the electricity generated within its high walls creating a wave of energy that has come to define the US Open as an event unlike any other. It is as iconic as the man for whom it is named.
In the 25 years since Arthur Ashe Stadium opened, this grand arena has hosted countless memorable moments—many of them integral pieces in constructing the US Open’s global reputation as one of the world’s most spectacular sporting events. So many great matches; so much incomparable drama; so much unforgettable magic.
Throughout the summer leading up to the 2022 US Open, USOpen.org will recount 25 of the most memorable moments from these 25 years of Arthur Ashe Stadium. Some obvious; others, less so; every one of them helped establish this unequaled arena as our game’s greatest stage.
Grab the tissues for moment No. 17. At the close of his final US Open run in 2006, a 36-year-old Andre Agassi wanted New Yorkers to know just how much they had given him.
Not since Lou Gehrig’s luckiest-man-on-the-face-of-the-earth elegy at Yankee Stadium back in the summer of 1939 had New Yorkers been treated to such a poignant farewell.
Andre Agassi, as big a superstar as tennis had ever known, transformed from neon-bedecked, wild-haired wonder to bald-pated sage over two decades, had played his last professional match, a 7-5, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-5 loss to a German named Becker (no, not that Becker—this was Benjamin) in the third round of the US Open.
On Sept. 3, 2006, his body no longer able to stand up to the punishing demands of the tour, the cortisone injections now all but a daily routine, the eight-time major titlist bid farewell to the sport that had so consumed him since his father first dangled a tennis ball over his crib.
In all, Agassi had reached six US Open finals, winning it all in 1994 and 1999. Some of the most indelible moments of his career had come in Flushing Meadows: The run to his first trophy, which included three Top-10 wins; his all-tiebreak classic against arch nemesis Pete Sampras in 2001; the epic five-set turnaround against countryman James Blake in the 2005 quarterfinals.
Now 36, he wanted New Yorkers to know how much they had given him over the years: that they had touched him in a way that he hadn’t experienced at any other tour stop in the world.
“The scoreboard said I lost today, but what the scoreboard doesn’t say is what it is I have found,” a tearful Agassi told the capacity Ashe Stadium crowd.
“Over the last 21 years, I have found loyalty: You have pulled for me on the court and also in life. I have found inspiration: You have willed me to succeed, sometimes even in my lowest moments. And I have found generosity: You have given me your shoulders to stand on, to reach for my dreams, dreams I could have never reached without you.”
What's in store for our grandest stage this summer? Join us and find out. The 2022 US Open main draw begins on Aug. 29 and runs through Sept. 11. Individual tickets and ticket plans are on sale now at Ticketmaster.
