On Friday night in Flushing, the roar from Arthur Ashe Stadium spilled out onto the promenade, fueled by a mix of Serena Williams nostalgia, TikTok influencers angling for the perfect shot, and the unmistakable scent of cannabis drifting over the food stalls. The U.S. Open, once considered tennis’s most democratic major, is now facing questions about its evolving identity — and whether the crowd’s energy is verging on chaos.

“People used to whisper during points. Now, you can barely hear the umpire over the chatter,” said longtime Queens resident and Open regular Sheila R., who watched Thursday’s evening match from the upper deck. She pointed to a row of teens filming themselves courtside, more invested in their live streams than the action below. The official attendance numbers suggest a record-breaking tournament, but the vibe is less reverent than raucous.

Staff and security have responded to the surge in volume with reminders to keep aisles clear and voices low, but the Open’s new social fabric is hard to police. This past week, several players commented on the distracting buzz, with one top seed calling the scene “a party, not a match.” Vendors selling cocktails and gourmet bites to crowds queued up for selfies with celebrity guests say the Open has become as much about the spectacle off-court as the play on it.

The weed smoke is harder to ignore this season, as recreational dispensaries have flourished across New York City. “It’s just part of the city now,” shrugged a bartender at the Heineken Bar, wiping down a counter on Saturday afternoon. “But for families, it’s a different experience.”

For now, the U.S. Open remains a magnet for tennis fans and trendsetters alike, a September tradition where New York’s exuberance meets global sport. But as the tournament enters its final week, debate simmers: Can the Open serve both spectacle and sport, or will something have to give?

Frequently Asked Questions

How has the atmosphere at the U.S. Open changed recently?

The U.S. Open has shifted from a traditional, respectful tennis environment to a louder, more chaotic scene influenced by social media, celebrity culture, and changing city norms.

Why is there more cannabis scent at the U.S. Open this year?

The scent of cannabis is more prevalent due to the rise of recreational dispensaries in New York City.

What are players saying about the current U.S. Open crowd?

Several players have commented on the distracting buzz, with one top seed describing the event as ‘a party, not a match.’

Is the U.S. Open seeing higher attendance this year?

Yes, official attendance numbers suggest a record-breaking tournament.

What concerns are being raised about the U.S. Open’s new atmosphere?

There is debate about whether the tournament can balance being both a sporting event and a spectacle, as the crowd’s energy is becoming less reverent and more raucous.

Editorial Transparency. A first draft of this story was produced with AI-assisted writing tools, then reviewed for accuracy and tone by the named editor before publication. More on our process: Editorial Policy.