The U.S. Open is underway in Flushing Meadows, featuring a star-studded crowd and historic moments on the court.
Why it matters: The 2026 U.S. Open has drawn a host of celebrities and witnessed key developments in tennis history, including the decline of the one-handed backhand and a viral moment from Carlos Alcaraz.
The tournament started on August 30, 2026, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, NY.
Celebrity attendees include Matthew McConaughey, A$AP Rocky, Emma Roberts, and Queen Latifah, among others.
The event showcases athletic prowess and cultural significance with high-profile appearances.
Driving the news: Matthew McConaughey was in attendance during a thrilling fourth-round match where Carlos Alcaraz delivered a stunning performance against Tommy Paul.
Alcaraz, who had missed five months due to injury, won the match in straight sets: 6-4, 6-3, 6-4.
His explosive crosscourt forehand during the match went viral, capturing McConaughey's astonished reaction.
Alcaraz’s performance has silenced doubts about his fitness and ability to compete at the highest level.
The big picture: The U.S. Open has become a platform for both tennis and celebrity culture, blending athletic achievements with entertainment.
Notable celebrities like Ben Stiller and Jimmy Fallon have been spotted enjoying the matches, adding to the tournament's allure.
Matthew McConaughey's viral reaction to Alcaraz's play highlights the intersection of sports and pop culture.
As the tournament progresses, more stars are expected to attend, enhancing its reputation as a premier social event.
What they're saying: The historic implications of this year's tournament are being discussed widely, particularly concerning the evolution of playing styles.
Ben Shelton's victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas marked the end of a 149-year Grand Slam streak for players using a one-handed backhand.
Tsitsipas lamented the decline of the one-handed backhand, stating, "It's literally like 2% or 3% now," compared to 97-98% in the 1950s.
He attributed this decline to slower courts and a narrowing of playing styles in modern tennis.
By the numbers: The statistics surrounding Shelton's win and the tournament's celebrity attendance are notable.
Since Wimbledon 1877, at least one male player with a one-handed backhand reached a major semi-final every year until this U.S. Open.
Alcaraz has only dropped one set throughout the tournament leading up to the quarterfinals.
Matthew McConaughey's reaction to Alcaraz's point has gained widespread attention on social media platforms.
Between the lines: The U.S. Open is not just about tennis; it's a cultural phenomenon that reflects broader trends in sports.
McConaughey's presence and reactions indicate the blending of celebrity culture with sports events.
The decline of the one-handed backhand raises questions about the future of playing styles in tennis.
As new players like Shelton emerge, traditionalists may need to adapt to changing dynamics in the sport.
What's next: As the tournament continues, several matchups promise to be exciting and potentially historic.
Alcaraz is set to face Ben Shelton in the quarterfinals, pitting two of the tournament's standout players against each other.
Fans and celebrities alike will continue to flock to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center for the remaining matches.
The spotlight will remain on the evolution of tennis styles and the influence of celebrity culture on sports.
The U.S. Open showcases elite tennis and serves as a backdrop for cultural moments, blending sports and celebrity in a unique way. As the tournament progresses, it is unclear how these narratives evolve and what new history will be made on and off the court.