NYPD officials say while there are no specific or credible threats to the tournament, police are prepared for a safe and smooth event. On average, the US Open draws upwards of 80,000 spectators a day.
"Today begins the first round of the 144th US Open Tennis Championship, and the eyes of the world will be on Queens for the next two weeks," Police Commissioner Edward Caban said Monday . "The NYPD has been planning for this event a lot longer."
Caban said there will be increased patrols inside and outside venue, along with screening checkpoints and drones above.
"And of course, we'll have the eyes and ears of the public. We cannot overstate how important it is for the people to be engaged, invested and aware," he said. "If you're here at the US Open and you see anything that doesn't look right or feel right, call 911 or tell a police officer right away. Public safety is everyone's responsibility, especially at large-scale events like this."
US Open 2024 schedule today
The US Open starts Monday and runs through Sept. 8 at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.
Matches start at 11 a.m. on several courts, including Louis Armstrong Stadium, followed by a noon match at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Fresh off his victory in the Olympics , 37-year-old Novak Djokovic is hoping to win his first major of the season, a record-breaking 25th overall. His first match is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday against Radu Albot at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
On the women's side, defending champion Coco Gauff is looking to repeat last year's success . She plays her opening match at noon Monday against Varvara Gracheva at Arthur Ashe.
The US Open is the final Grand Slam event of the season. Other top players to watch include Naomi Osaka, Carlos Alcaraz and Frances Tiafoe.
Drivers should expect street closures around the complex all week. Fans are encouraged to use mass transit, either on the 7 train or the Long Island Rail Road.
Arterial Roadways (Entire Length)
Grand Central Parkway
Brooklyn-Queens Expressway
Cross Island Parkway
Long Island Expressway
Whitestone Expressway
Van Wyck Expressway
Local Roadways:
Northern Boulevard between Junction Boulevard and Clearview Expressway
Roosevelt Avenue between Main Street and 104th Street
College Point Boulevard between 31st Avenue and Horace Harding Boulevard
126th Street/Seaver Way between Roosevelt Avenue and Northern Boulevard
111th Street/Saultell Avenue between Roosevelt Avenue and Horace Harding Boulevard
Astoria Boulevard between RFK Bridge Plaza and 114th Street
Shea Road between 126th Street/Seaver Way and Meridian Road
Meridian Road (Entire Length)
Stick with CBS New York for continuing coverage from the US Open throughout the week.
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