As the US Open strolls into town, a hive of activity erupts around the surrounding streets, courts and stores, bringing with it a unique energy. So at a time when you can make tennis part of pretty much everything, we’ve pulled together a BAGEL-approved starter pack for getting into the spirit. Things worth buying, pop-ups worth finding, events worth bringing a racquet to, films worth streaming and a playlist worth treating the ears to, for when the rallies are over. Consider it your go-to cultural New York warm-up.
BUY
TENNIS T-SHIRTS '“THE UNOFFICIAL SHOP”
Founder of Tennis T-Shirts Mike Cherman got so tired of tournament shops filled with performance gear, predictable graphics and souvenirs nobody really wants to wear that he decided to do something about it. In partnership with Complex magazine, Tennis T-Shirts presents “The Unofficial Shop”, a five day pop-up bringing together 32 designers from across the tennis, fashion, art and culture who have created shirts the tournaments would never make themselves. Make sure you grab your very own exclusive BAGEL tee that pays homage to the unique character of the US Open.
Where: 620 Broadway, New York City
Date: 29th August - 2nd September
Tickets: Free
THE OPPONENT WAS NEVER ACROSS THE NET
Designer Rupal Banerjee recently returned to tennis after a hiatus, and that new found confidence and passion in the sport, inspired her new collection, “The Opponent Was Never Across The Net”. Together with Jasmine Maietta, founder of Round 21, the collection features oversized graphic tees, mini skits, white tie detail shorts and court button up shirt
Where: 347 Broome St
Date: 29th August 11am - 6pm
Tickets: free- RSVP essential
VALLDOREIX x RESTRING POP-UP
Valldoreix is an exciting tennis brand that blends performance wear with lifestyle off court pieces. It is the vision of former player Julio Clotet and together with ReString, they are hosting an intimate pop-up offering early access to the upcoming Fall/Winter ‘26 collection. The collection has been inspired by the streets of New York and you’ll find a Lyocell and merino wool blend tee designed to naturally thermoregulate, a featherweight match cap, and a new colourway of our diagonal-zip reversible Cross Court Jacket that match the gritty exterior of the walls of the city.
Where: 223 Mott Street
Date: 27th August 5-7pm
Tickets: free- RSVP essential
PLAY
BLACK TENNIS NIGHT
Tennis hasn’t always welcomed or represented everyone, but the Black Tennis Night is helping to change the face of the game. All Over Racquet Club and the USTA have brought together 10 organisations from cities across the States and abroad, who are helping to democratise the sport, to host a full day of clinics, king of the court competitions as well as open play sessions. Not often you get to say tennis creates road block events, but this one feels up there.
Where: Riverbank State Park, Harlem
Date: 28th August
Tickets: Free
EXHIBITION IN THE PARK
Professional tennis players slugging it out on public courts? “Never in my lifetime” you might rightfully say. But you’d be wrong. Courtside, the USTA and Riverside Park Conservancy. have joined forces to bring ATP tennis to the public courts.
Wonderkid Rafael Jodar and recent Djokovic slayer, Thiago Tirante will battle it out on the courts you probably shanked a serve on. No stadium, no nosebleeds. You’re on the court, close enough to hear the ball come off the strings.
Where: 119th Street courts in Riverside Park
Date: 27th August from 4.30pm
Tickets: $75
718-LOVE BLOCK PARTY
Following their Paris Block Party at the French Open, Nike are back at it again, with another on-court experience at Marcy Playground for the US Open. Delivered in partnership with Vincent Munoz, owner of the contemporary tennis space Pro Shop NYC, there are free sessions for all levels, live stringing, tie-dying and music from NYC local, DJ Stretch Armstrong.
Where: 753 Myrtle Avenue, Brooklyn
Date: 29th August from 1-6pm
Tickets: free
VISIT
YONEX COFFEE HOUSE
The eagle-eyed among you may have spotted Casper Ruud, Jessica Pegula and Tokito Oda sporting the new EZONE Espresso Brown on their return to the hard courts. It’s inspired by the distinctive colourway of coffee, a player’s natural pre and post game elixir, and celebrates effortless power this racquet brings, just like a shot of espresso. In its honour, Yonex are opening their very own coffee house, bringing in special guests, live music, curated experiences, limited-edition merch as well as the new EZONE. Oh, and the chance to dose up on a cortado. Yum!
Where: 262 Mott St Unit B
Date: 28th August - 5th September 10am - 7pm
Tickets: free
WATCH
REST DAY
Lululemon’s new YouTube content series “Rest Day with Lewis Hamilton” follows the F1 supremo as he steps outside his sport to learn from elite athletes across new disciplines. The second episode takes Lewis back the tennis court, to hook up with long term friend and everyone’s favourite, Big Foe. The two mates, sit down for an open conversation whilst they battle out for points
When: released 27th August at 5pm
LISTEN
NEW YORK IN PLAY
Alongside an internationally recognised tennis tournament not scared to do things differently, New York also gave birth to global music genres like hop hop, bebop, punk and early forms of house, that have defined albums and music charts for generations. In celebration of the US Open, Alberto Mombelli, music curator, agent to indie artists and founder of Open Court, a tennis community merging the sport with music, has gathered a delectable line up of tracks that epitomise the modern sound of the city and the artists shaping the city’s more experimental edges.