VOICE OF THE US OPEN

Announcer Andy Taylor. Voice of the 2022 US Open

21-YEARS IN ARTHUR ASHE STADIUM

Known as the Voice of the US Open, 2022 marks Taylor’s 21st year shaping the sound of the sport’s final Grand Slam of the season.

With his individual style and delivery, Andy writes and narrates every player’s introduction, highlighting their career accomplishments, providing context for fans before each match. As a voice talent, he also narrates video content and special announcements broadcast across the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. For twenty years, his distinctive sound and energy has helped drive and enhance the fan experience — Informing. Entertaining. Celebrating the sport and its colorful cast of characters.

In addition to his long-standing role in New York, Taylor has also emceed other global events including the Olympic Games, Qatar ExxonMobil Open, Qatar Total Open, PSA Men’s World Championship, Qatar Classic Squash Championship and the World Padel Championship.

142 YEARS IN THE MAKING: THE 55th US OPEN TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS

The US Open, as we know it today, began in 1881. Four years after the first Wimbledon Championships, members of the Newport Casino in Rhode Island established the U.S. National Singles Championship. Popularity of the sport exploded during the following eight decades. And by 1968, the Open Era began, finally allowing professionals to compete alongside amateurs. Ever since, the sports four Grand Slam tournaments – the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open – cemented their status as the premiere events in professional tennis. Today, these Major trophies and titles are the pinnacle of career achievement.

MILESTONE ON THE LINE AT THE 2022 US OPEN

In the Open Era, only four players have won 22 or more Grand Slam Singles titles. In 1973, Margaret Court captured her 24th Singles Major at the West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills. A record that still stands 49-years later.

Meanwhile, the great Stefi Graf captured her 22nd and final Grand Slam Singles title at Roland Garros in 1999. Not to be outdone, 6-time US Open champion Serena Williams lifted her 23rd Grand Slam Singles trophy at the 2017 Australian Open; a memorable Melbourne fortnight where Serena and sister Venus rolled back the years, going toe-to-toe in the Final.

While Serena once again chases Court’s record in her final US Open appearance, a new name has emerged in the “22 Majors” Club: Rafael Nadal. This season, Nadal captured his second Australian Open title, then triumphed for an inconceivable 14th time at Roland Garros; before an abdominal tear ended his Wimbledon run in the Semifinals. Already standing alone with more Singles Majors than any other player in the history of the Men’s Tour, should Nadal capture his 5th US Open title in Flushing, he will become a 23-time Grand Slam Champion.

GRAND SLAM TENNIS TOURNAMENTS – A LONG AND STORIED HISTORY

First, a quick timeline reflecting the roots of the Grand Slam:

1877 – The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club organized the first Wimbledon Championship.
1881 – Members of the Newport Casino in Rhode Island (now home of the International Tennis Hall of Fame) created the first U.S. National Singles Championship.
1891 – France joined the party. Though the tournament itself was not recognized as a Grand Slam until international participation was allowed in 1925.
1905 – Australia’s Major began as the Australasian Championships, earning Grand Slam status by 1924.

THE OPEN ERA BUILDS GRAND SLAM PRESTIGE

For decades, the Grand Slams only showcased amateur competition, the U.S. National Championship included. Prize money was paltry. Professional talents earned a living through traveling tours, rather than tournaments like Grand Slams. Essentially, two or more professionals would travel together from city to city. Competing night after night. Earning money through ticket sales.

Then in 1968, the Open Era began – allowing both amateur and professional athletes in a tournament format. That year, France hosted the first Open, followed by England and the United States. Brisbane hosted Australia’s Open debut the following January. With the sport’s top global talents all converging on the same four annual tournaments, the Grand Slams put themselves in position to grow alongside the popularity of the game.

Today, the US Open is the highest-attended annual sporting event in the world. In 2019, over 720-thousand fans passed through the gates of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. That year, Singles champions earned over $3.8-million, while players who fell in the First Round grossed $60-thousand.

To put that in perspective: In 1968, the inaugural US Open committed $14,000 for the Men’s Singles Champion. When Arthur Ashe won – because he was an amateur – he turned down the prize money. Instead, the legendary humanitarian settled for a $20 per diem. What a difference 55-years makes.

COVID-19 AND THE US OPEN

In 2020, the US Open was the first Major to return after COVID-19 transformed life as we knew it. No fans. Cavernous, empty stadiums. Separate “bubbles” for players and crew. Regular coronavirus testing. Strict social distancing.

Last year, thanks to vaccines and those who chose to receive them, the gates were opened at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. And the players didn’t disappoint.

With fans finally back, clearly starved for Grand Slam drama and intrigue after 24-months, the athletes used New York’s pent-up energy and electricity as fuel, playing well beyond their limits and expectations. Together – with raw, overwhelming fan-engagement the world over – the sport itself firmly thrust its dagger through the heart of COVID-19.

Tennis is back. Full stop. And the impending, unexpected plot twists are positively tantalizing. Welcome to the 2022 US Open Tennis Championships.

2022 US OPEN. SERENA'S FAREWELL. IGA AND CARLOS CONQUER NEW YORK.

Storylines for miles. One of the most captivating Majors in recent history, the 2022 US Open will always be remembered as the Grand Slam tournament that finally witnessed the “turning of the page.”

For over two decades, 6-time US Open champion Serena Williams mesmerized New York with her unique brand of aggressive grace. Just prior to the start of the tournament, the 23-time Major champion announced that the 2022 US Open would be the climax of her storied career – and fans flocked to Flushing Meadows to witness her greatness one final time. On opening night, she shattered attendance records. Two nights later, she defeated the World #2 – leaving fans frothing for more. In Round-3, in front of a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium, the legend valiantly battled Ajla Tomljanovic for over 3-hours, before falling in the deciding set.

Forever a trendsetter who revolutionized the game, two weeks following her final match – Roger Federer announced his retirement from the sport as well. 12-days after the conclusion of the 2022 US Open, Roger teamed with Laver Cup partner Rafael Nadal for the final match of his career; an unforgettable night at London’s O2 Arena, featuring an endless outpouring of emotion from fans and fellow legends.

With two of the “greatest players of all time” evolving (Serena’s words) within weeks of each other, most will mark September 2022 as the most pivotal page-turn for the sport in over two decades.

SERENA WILLIAMS. HER 2022 ARTHUR ASHE STADIUM INTRODUCTION.

Tonight, she returns to the sport's biggest stage - where 23-years-ago, she captured her first Grand Slam Singles title. And this year's US Open - marks the final chapter of her fabled tennis story. Her accomplishments are legendary - and will echo for generations. 23 Grand Slam Singles titles - the Career Grand Slam - Four Olympic Gold Medals - 319 weeks as the World #1. But most notably - with raw passion, resilience and relentless determination - she has inspired millions beyond the sport itself, becoming one of the most influential athletes the world has ever known. From Palm Beach Gardens, Florida - please welcome 6-time US Open Champion, Serena Williams.

THE SHOW WENT ON, WITH SPELLBINDING NEXT-GEN NARRATIVES.

Nick Kyrgios took-out defending champion Daniil Medvedev in Round-4.

Karen Khachanov shocked Kyrgios in the Quarters, reaching his first Grand Slam Semifinal.

Frances Tiafoe upset Rafael Nadal – and in his first Major Semifinal, ignited a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium (including former FLOTUS Michelle Obama), pushing Carlos Alcaraz to a deciding set.

Alcaraz became the tournament’s marquee attraction – earning five set victories over Marin Cilic, Jannik Sinner (ended at 2:50a, latest-finish ever at US Open) and Tiafoe – before defeating Casper Ruud in the Men’s Singles Final.

Casper Ruud became the first Norwegian Finalist in US Open history.

In the Men’s Singles Final, there was more than a debut Grand Slam title on the line: Carlos and Casper also battled for the World #1 ranking.

At just 21-years-old, Iga Swiatek captured her third Grand Slam title, becoming the first Polish US Open Women’s Singles Champion.

Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur, Wimbledon Finalist just 3 months prior, became the first African and Arab woman ever to reach a US Open Final.

Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury became the first Men’s tandem to win back-to-back US Open titles since Aussies Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde accomplished the feat in 1996.

With their championship victory, reigning Olympic Gold Medalists Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova secured the Career Golden Slam.

Taylor Townsend, who just had a son 18-months-ago, reached her first Grand Slam Final alongside Caty McNally – who reached back-to-back US Open Doubles Finals, teaming last year with Coco Gauff.

And finally, in Mixed Doubles – just 3-months after announcing her retirement from Singles competition on the WTA Tour – Belgium’s Kirsten Flipkens reached her first Grand Slam Final alongside Edouard Roger-Vasselin.

FINALLY, A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS.

With such a lengthy list of dramatic and enthralling storylines permeating the 2022 US Open, there’s no question:

As the page turns, and 20-years of “the greatest of all time” narratives become part of tennis lore, the game’s brightest potentials have proven they are ready to confidently grasp the mantle; to carry the sport forward.

Who will be the next Serena, the next Federer? Only time will tell. But at least we can finally say, for the first time in nearly 20-years, a new chapter has begun. More thrilling storylines await.