How to Get Autographs at the US Tennis Open

The U.S. Open is different than many sporting events. During the early rounds, there is constant action going on at over a dozen courts. On the side courts, the players participating in the tournament play just a few feet from where you stand or sit. This makes getting autographs a very easy task. Almost every player in the Open is more than happy to sign a piece of paper, tennis ball or hat for a fan. Here are some tips for acquiring these autographs.

Things You'll Need

  • Pen/marker
  • Item to be autographed
  • Tickets to U.S. Open
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose an item to be autographed. You can purchase both regular-sized tennis balls and large, souvenir balls at the Open. Many fans will bring an autograph book, while others will simply ask players to sign a hat or other small item.

    • 2

      Bring your own pen or marker. Some players will pack a writing utensil in their bags, but not all of them do. You'd be really embarrassed if a player offered an autograph and you didn't have anything for him to write with.

    • 3

      Learn the schedule of matches for the day once you get to the U.S. Open. You can buy a schedule at a kiosk or read it from the large scoreboard outside of Arthur Ashe Stadium. Doing this will let you know which players are playing on which court. Knowing where a player is located is the first step to getting her autograph.

    • 4

      Get to a side court before the beginning of a match. These courts are general admission, and you can normally get a front row seat for any match. Being in the front row makes you noticeable to the players, which increases the odds that you'll get an autograph.

    • 5

      Cheer loudly and enthusiastically for the player you want an autograph from. Any athlete is more likely to give an autograph to a person who roots for him. If the player sees and hears you offering encouragement during the match, he will very likely approach you afterward to sign your item.

    • 6

      Stand up along the fence behind the judge's chair after the match ends. This is where the players exit the court. Standing right along the fence will put you directly in the line of sight of both players.

    • 7

      Hold your item over the fence with pen in hand. When you do this, players will know that you hope to receive an autograph.

    • 8

      Call out to a player if she didn't notice you. Simply asking “Can I get an autograph?” or “Will you sign this?” should bring the player over to you. Remember to be respectful when doing this. Yelling to a player at the top of your lungs will most likely annoy her, and you'll leave the court with no autograph.