The round of 16 is the quality inflection point of any Grand Slam: nobody left is a fluke, and the day session in Ashe usually pairs a men's and a women's match with real stakes on both. It is also the point where the site starts to feel less like a fairground and more like a tournament, with the crowd tightening around fewer, better matches. If you want the best tennis-per-ticket ratio of the whole Labor Day weekend, this is the session to buy.
What to expect
A slower, denser day than the third round: fewer courts in use, longer rallies, and a stadium that actually stays full between matches. The grounds still hold doubles, juniors and mixed play on the outer courts, so there is somewhere to go during changeovers. Food plazas and the fountain area near the Unisphere stay busy through the afternoon.
Good to know
- 7 train to Mets-Willets Point is the fastest route; the LIRR Port Washington branch also stops there during the tournament.
- Fewer courts are in use than earlier rounds, so a grounds pass is a weaker value now and the stadium seat is worth it.
- Arthur Ashe is roofed, so this session plays through weather that would stop the outer courts.
- Security screening is strict and bag size is limited; pack a small bag and a sealed or empty water bottle.
- Good session for a first-timer who wants recognizable players rather than volume of matches.
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Common questions
How many matches will I see in the stadium?
A round-of-16 day session in Arthur Ashe is typically scheduled for two singles matches, one men's and one women's, though length varies with how the matches go.
Is there still tennis on the outer courts?
Yes. Doubles, mixed doubles and junior events continue on the outer courts, and your stadium ticket includes grounds access to watch them.
Is this session accessible?
The National Tennis Center has elevators, accessible seating in Arthur Ashe and accessible restrooms across the grounds; request accessible seating when buying rather than at the gate.
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