Africa-Press – Botswana. USTA spokesperson Chris Widmaier told The New York Post that demand for US Open tickets has skyrocketed after Serena Williams’ announcement.
The American announced that she will withdraw after the US Open in an interview with Vogue magazine: “The Serena effect is like a tsunami”, she said: “Since people heard the news, we sell, starting at 3 pm on Tuesday , 13,000 US Open tickets, including 4,500 or more for opening night,” he added.
When asked to put the 13,000 ticket figure into context, the employee stated, “This is a spectacular day. In fact, it could be unprecedented.”
Widmaier revealed that some spectators are trying to resell their $35 tickets to the top floor of center court (the Arthur Ashe) for the opening of the event on Monday night for 7,000 on Ticketmaster. The stadium has a capacity of 23,771 spectators.
What makes the audience’s trip to the virtual box office even more remarkable is the fact that it’s not even certain that the youngest of the Williams sisters will play on opening night (the draw takes place on the Thursday before the tournament).
However, Widmaier recalled that Williams had to play the first night several times, and that this time, the scenario could also repeat itself.
Prior to Serena’s announcement, approximately 1,500 seats had been sold for a potential matchday two starter for Williams on Wednesday night. Of course, from the moment the news was released, interest multiplied. Widmaier said it remains to be seen how the athlete who turns 41 on September 26 will be honored at the US Open. Notable farewells to Flushing Meadows over the years have included, among others, American stars such as Andre Agassi (2006) and Andy Roddick (2012).
Six of Serena’s 23 Grand Slam singles titles were won at the New York tournament.
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