23 YEARS IN ARTHUR ASHE STADIUM | Announcer Andy Taylor “Voice of the US Open”
Known as the Voice of the US Open, 2024 marks announcer Andy Taylor’s 23rd year shaping the sound of the tennis season’s final Grand Slam. Today, he shares the booth with presenter Blair Henley, who in 2023 became the first featured female voice on tennis’ biggest stage.
With his individual style and delivery, Andy writes and narrates each 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 over 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 also emcees other global events including the Olympic Games, Qatar ExxonMobil Open, Qatar Total Open, PSA Men’s World Championship, Qatar Classic Squash Championship, Ooredoo Qatar Major and World Padel Championship.
US OPEN | OPEN ERA MEN’S SINGLES CHAMPIONS
LOOKING BACK AT AN HISTORIC 2023
Last year, the USTA celebrated Billie Jean King and the groundbreaking 50th anniversary of equal prize money – but even more history was made during the fortnight.
Novak Djokovic captured his 24th Grand Slam Singles title, equaling Margaret Court’s Open Era record. Additionally, with 10 US Open Final appearances, Djokovic leveled-up with Serena Williams for most US Open Singles Finals. As if he hasn’t already, with a victory at this year’s Open, the World #1 will clearly cement his legacy as the greatest Major champion of all time.
Meanwhile, American Coco Gauff lifted her first Grand Slam Singles trophy. Five months later, she was honored as one of TIME magazine’s 2024 Women of the Year.
In Doubles, Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury won their third successive US Open title, becoming the only men in the Open Era to achieve the feat. The last tandem to win three in-a-row? Virginia Ruano Pascual and Paola Soares in 2002, 2003, and 2004. Remarkably, Rajeev and Joe are now 18-0 in Flushing since 2021 (23-2 since 2019).
On the ladies side, Gabrielle Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe captured the title in just their fourth event as a team. Since then, they’ve quickly become one of the top tandems on tour and return this year as top-5 talents.
In Mixed, first time champions Anna Danilina and Harri Heliovaara upset top-seeds Jessica Pegula and Austin Krajicek in the Final. Like 2016 champions Laura Siegemund and Mate Pavic, the two had never met before the start of the tournament. Both needed a partner and randomly bumped into each other at sign-in. The rest is history.
Another Summer. Another fortnight in Flushing. What crazy storylines will unfold in 2024?
144 YEARS IN THE MAKING: 57th 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.
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 2023, over 957-thousand fans passed through the gates of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Singles champions earned $3-million, while players who fell in the First Round grossed $81,500.
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 57-years makes.
WHO THE HELL IS ANDY TAYLOR?
Hey, I’m Andy Taylor – a voice artist, announcer and emcee who’s been fortunate enough to travel the world using my voice to add character to global events, media and more.
This unusual freelance world of voice over has found me introducing fighters for the ancient art of Lethwei in Myanmar — the Olympic Games in Athens, Rio and Tokyo — I’ve even been hired by attorneys to provide a voice in court for their deceased clients. Most in tennis know me as the Voice of the US Open.
To learn more about my voice over and announcing work, I encourage you to browse the site using the menus above. And be sure to check out my most recent work through the WHAT’S NEW link.
Sincerely, thanks for visiting.
