10 Largest Tennis Tournaments in New York

The largest tennis tournaments in New York are defined by their scale, prestige, and impact on the local and international tennis community. These events attract significant participation, from world-class professionals to up-and-coming juniors and recreational players. Tournaments like the US Open stand as global spectacles, while others, such as the NYJTL Mayor’s Cup and the Eastern Adult Indoor Sectional Championships, play vital roles in developing future talent. These tournaments are held at iconic venues across New York City, contributing to the city’s reputation as a major tennis hub for players of all levels. As these prestigious tournaments unfold, they also inspire countless individuals to pick up a racket and join the game. If you’re interested in enhancing your skills, consider taking New York tennis lessons to elevate your game and prepare for future competitions.

10 Largest Tennis Tournaments in New York

• US Open: Late August – Early September
• NYJTL Mayor’s Cup: June
• Citi Open New York (exhibition): August (before US Open)
• Eastern Adult Indoor Sectional Championships: Varies (typically Winter/Spring)
• Cary Leeds Center Junior Open: Varies (usually Summer)
• NYC Parks Tennis Tournament: Summer
• Harlem Junior Tennis & Education Program Tournament: Varies (typically Summer)
• West Side Tennis Club Championships: Varies (usually Spring/Summer)
• Central Park Tennis Tournament: Summer
• Manhattan Plaza Tennis Tournament: Varies (typically Summer/Fall)

1. US Open

• Attendance: Over 700,000 spectators annually
• Prize Money (2023): $65 million
• Founded: 1881

The US Open is the crown jewel of New York’s tennis scene and one of the four prestigious Grand Slam tournaments. Held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, Queens, it attracts top global talent and hundreds of thousands of spectators. Played on hard courts, it is known for its electric atmosphere, particularly in the evening matches under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, the largest tennis-specific stadium in the world. An interesting fact is that the US Open was the first Grand Slam to introduce night matches in 1975, as well as equal prize money for men and women in 1973. It also serves as a testing ground for new tennis technologies and rules, such as Hawk-Eye, the electronic line-calling system, and a shot clock to regulate server timing.

2. NYJTL Mayor’s Cup

• Participants: Over 700 students annually
• Age Groups: K-12
• Founded: 1989

The NYJTL Mayor’s Cup is the largest interscholastic tennis event in the United States, held annually at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. This event brings together thousands of young tennis players from across New York City’s public, private, and parochial schools. It is more than just a tournament—it plays a vital role in promoting youth tennis in the city, particularly for those from underserved communities. The tournament offers scholarships, mentorship opportunities, and exposure to college coaches. A lesser-known fact is that several former participants have gone on to play at the collegiate and professional levels, underscoring the event’s importance in player development. The tournament is also unique for fostering a sense of community through educational and leadership programs for its participants.

3. Citi Open New York (exhibition)

• Attendees: Around 5,000 spectators
• Duration: 1-2 days in August
• Players: Typically includes 10+ top-ranked players

The Citi Open New York is an exhibition event that often precedes the US Open, providing top players a chance to fine-tune their form in a relaxed setting. While not an official part of the ATP or WTA tours, it attracts some of the biggest names in tennis, often featuring mixed doubles or exhibition singles matches that are designed to entertain rather than serve as high-stakes competition. An interesting tidbit about the event is that it often includes fun interactions between players and fans, including autograph sessions, interviews, and charity initiatives. Although it doesn’t contribute to rankings, players use it as an opportunity to acclimatize to the New York conditions before the US Open.

4. Eastern Adult Indoor Sectional Championships

• Age Groups: 18-and-over to 70+
• Surface: Indoor hard courts
• Duration: Typically 1 week

This USTA-sanctioned event is one of the most competitive adult tournaments in the Eastern region. Hosted at various venues across New York, this event brings together top adult players from multiple age categories, ranging from 18-and-over to senior divisions. What makes this tournament special is its reputation for high-level competition, attracting not just local players but participants from neighboring states. The tournament is an excellent opportunity for amateur players to build their USTA ranking points. A little-known fact is that many participants have deep connections to the tennis community, with several being former college players or even ex-professionals who continue to play competitively on the amateur circuit.

5. Cary Leeds Center Junior Open

• Age Groups: U12 to U18
• Participants: Around 150+ junior players
• Venue: 20 outdoor courts, 10 indoor courts

This prestigious junior tournament takes place at the Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning in the Bronx, a facility that has grown into one of the premier tennis academies in the city. The Junior Open attracts some of the top USTA-ranked juniors from across the region, making it an essential event for young players aiming to boost their rankings and gain recognition from college scouts. A lesser-known fact is that the Cary Leeds Center also hosts community programs that introduced tennis to underserved youth, which helps promote diversity in the sport. Many of the Junior Open participants are alumni of these programs, and the tournament often serves as a stepping stone toward national and even international junior competitions.

6. NYC Parks Tennis Tournament

• Participants: 300+ players across divisions
• Venues: Multiple NYC Parks locations
• Established: Over 40 years ago

The NYC Parks Tennis Tournament is a city-wide competition held throughout the summer months, drawing players from all five boroughs. Hosted in some of the most iconic parks in New York, including Central Park and Prospect Park, this tournament offers a fantastic opportunity for recreational players to experience competitive tennis in a more relaxed, community-focused setting. A unique feature is that the tournament is open to various age groups and skill levels, from novice to advanced players. An interesting tidbit: this event has produced a number of city champions who have gone on to compete at higher levels, including USTA tournaments.

7. Harlem Junior Tennis & Education Program Tournament

• Participants: Over 200 juniors annually
• Venue: Harlem Armory indoor courts
• Age Groups: U10 to U18

The Harlem Junior Tennis & Education Program (HJTEP) has long been a cornerstone in providing youth tennis opportunities in New York City, particularly for children from underserved communities. Its annual tournament showcases rising talent from the program and beyond, often drawing attention from local coaches and scouts. The tournament is more than just a sporting event; it’s an opportunity for participants to benefit from the educational programs HJTEP offers, such as tutoring and college prep. A little-known fact is that the program has produced professional players, including former ATP and WTA tour participants. The tournament also emphasizes sportsmanship, teamwork, and leadership.

8. West Side Tennis Club Championships

• Venue: 38 grass, clay, and hard courts
• Established: Club founded in 1892
• Age Divisions: Adult and senior categories

The West Side Tennis Club Championships are held at one of the most historic tennis venues in the country, located in Forest Hills, Queens. This tournament offers a club-level competition for both members and select guest participants, making it an event steeped in tradition and exclusivity. The West Side Tennis Club was the original home of the US Open before it moved to Flushing Meadows, and it still retains its old-world charm. A lesser-known fact is that this club is where Billie Jean King and other tennis legends played some of their most memorable matches. The tournament is a celebration of both competitive tennis and the history of the sport.

9. Central Park Tennis Tournament

• Participants: 100+ players
• Venue: Central Park’s 26 clay courts
• Duration: 1 week in Summer

Held annually in the iconic Central Park, this tournament is one of the most beloved community events in New York’s tennis scene. Open to recreational players from various skill levels, it offers a chance to compete in one of the most scenic locations in the city. What makes this tournament special is the atmosphere—amidst the natural beauty of Central Park, players of all levels come together to celebrate the sport in a casual but competitive environment. An interesting tidbit is that many participants return year after year, creating a sense of camaraderie and tradition. The tournament is also a great platform for raising awareness of local charities and environmental causes.

10. Manhattan Plaza Tennis Tournament

• Venue: 5 indoor hard courts
• Participants: 75+ players
• Established: 1989

This local favorite is held at the Manhattan Plaza Racquet Club, known for its top-tier facilities and location in the heart of Manhattan. The tournament draws a mix of recreational players and serious competitors, making it one of the more competitive events for club players in the city. While not as widely known as other tournaments, its exclusivity and central location make it a hidden gem. One interesting fact is that the Manhattan Plaza Racquet Club is frequented by celebrities and notable New Yorkers, making it a hot spot for tennis enthusiasts and a place where you might just run into a familiar face while competing.

New York Tennis Tournaments Compared

Tournament	Participants	Venue	Surface	Age Group/Level
US Open	700,000+ spectators	USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center	Hard courts	Professional
NYJTL Mayor’s Cup	700+ students	USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center	Hard courts	K-12 students
NYJTL Mayor’s Cup	5,000+ spectators	Various NYC venues	Hard courts	Professional (exhibition)
Eastern Adult Indoor Sectional Championships	Adult players (various)	Various NYC venues	Indoor hard courts	18+ adults
Cary Leeds Center Junior Open	150+ juniors	Cary Leeds Center, Bronx	Outdoor and indoor hard courts	U12 to U18 juniors
NYC Parks Tennis Tournament	300+ players	Various NYC Parks	Varies	All ages/skill levels
Harlem Junior Tennis & Education Program Tournament	200+ juniors	Harlem Armory	Indoor hard courts	U10 to U18 juniors
West Side Tennis Club Championships	Adult and senior players	West Side Tennis Club, Forest Hills	Grass, clay, and hard courts	Adults and seniors
Central Park Tennis Tournament	100+ players	Central Park	Clay courts	All ages/skill levels
Manhattan Plaza Tennis Tournament	75+ players	Manhattan Plaza Racquet Club	Indoor hard courts	Recreational/Competitive adults

Methodology for Selecting the Largest Tennis Tournaments in New York

The selection of the largest tennis tournaments in New York was based on several key factors to ensure a comprehensive and representative list of important events across various levels of competition. Here’s a breakdown of the methodology used:

1. Tournament Size and Scope

The primary criterion was the size of the tournament in terms of participation and spectator attendance. Tournaments like the US Open, which draws over 700,000 spectators, naturally ranked highest. Other tournaments, even at the local level, were considered if they featured significant participation across age groups or competitive divisions.

2. Prestige and Historical Importance

Tournaments that have significant prestige, either historically or within specific tennis communities, were included. The US Open, with its Grand Slam status, and the West Side Tennis Club Championships, with its historic ties to the origins of professional tennis in New York, are examples of events that were selected due to their historical importance.

3. Competitive Level

The competitive level of the tournament was also a key factor. Professional tournaments like the US Open and exhibition events such as the Citi Open attract top-tier talent, while amateur events like the Eastern Adult Indoor Sectional Championships and the Cary Leeds Center Junior Open also bring in highly competitive players at different levels. Both professional and high-level amateur tournaments were considered.

4. Community and Developmental Impact

Several tournaments were selected due to their role in tennis development within local communities. The NYJTL Mayor’s Cup and the Harlem Junior Tennis & Education Program Tournament, for instance, are instrumental in promoting youth participation in tennis, particularly from underserved communities. These tournaments have a significant developmental impact, offering scholarships, mentorship, and pathways to higher levels of competition.

5. Venue Prestige and Accessibility

The prestige and accessibility of the venues also played a role. Iconic venues such as the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center and Central Park were given priority due to their high visibility and historical significance. Similarly, tournaments at community-based venues like the Manhattan Plaza Racquet Club were considered for their role in serving local recreational players.

6. Longevity and Consistency

Tournaments that have been running consistently for several years, or even decades, were prioritized. Longevity was a sign of sustained community interest and consistent organization, which made these tournaments vital to New York’s tennis culture.

This methodology ensured that the selection covered a broad range of tournaments, from professional to community-driven events, each significant in its own right.

New York Tennis Tournaments Takeaways

New York hosts a diverse range of tennis competitions, from global events like the US Open to community-focused tournaments like the NYC Parks Tennis Tournament, offering opportunities for players at all levels. The US Open, one of the world’s most prestigious tennis events, draws international attention and top talent, reinforcing New York’s role as a key city in the tennis world.

Additionally, tournaments such as the NYJTL Mayor’s Cup and the Harlem Junior Tennis & Education Program Tournament emphasize youth development and inclusivity, playing a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of players. Many of these events are held at historic venues like the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center and the West Side Tennis Club, blending the city’s rich tennis heritage with modern competition. Together, these tournaments showcase New York’s unique blend of professional prestige, community engagement, and player development. If you’re eager to improve your game, you might explore tennis lessons in New York to get started on the court.