U.S. Open Preps for Star-Studded Finals Weekend

The USTA has announced an entertainment line-up for U.S. Open Finals Weekend that includes Grammy Award-winning singers, as well as some of the most recognizable names in tennis history. On Friday, Sept. 6, the recently-retired Esther Vergeer, the most successful wheelchair tennis player in history who finished her career with a remarkable 470-match winning streak, will conduct the ceremonial coin toss prior to the first women’s singles semifinal featuring Victoria Azarenka and Li Na.

On Sunday, Sept. 8, the day will begin with the induction of tennis great and fan favorite Monica Seles into the U.S. Open Court of Champions. Her contemporary, and present day tennis television broadcaster and U.S. Fed Cup Captain Mary Joe Fernandez will host the induction ceremony. Seles will be joined on the court by former New York City Mayor David Dinkins and USTA Chairman of the Board and President Dave Haggerty. Seles also will conduct the ceremonial coin toss prior to the Women’s Singles Final.

Following the induction ceremony, three-time Grammy Award winning singer Ne-Yo will sing “America the Beautiful” while the traditional unfurling of a large American flag by the U.S. Marines takes place on-court in Arthur Ashe Stadium.

On Monday, Sept. 9, “America the Beautiful” will be sung by Tony- and Grammy-nominated singer Jeremy Jordan, who has appeared in “Newsies” on Broadway and was a star of the television hit “Smash.” Jordan also will be joined by the U.S. Marines, for the traditional unfurling of the court-sized flag during the performance. Tennis legend Rod Laver will conduct the ceremonial coin toss prior to the Men’s Singles Final.

The USTA will make $25 grounds passes available for Saturday, Sunday and Monday. On Sunday, this will entitle fans access to the boys and girls junior singles finals, as well ans the finals for the wheelchair finals in the men’s, women’s, and quad divisions.

The television schedule for the 2013 US Open Finals Weekend is as follows: