U.S. Open Men's Final Sets ESPN Record as Most-Watched Tennis Telecast of 2025
The U.S. Open men's final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner was a ratings sensation, drawing in a massive audience for ESPN. The network announced that the match, which saw Alcaraz emerge victorious, was its most-watched tennis telecast of the year, with an average of 3 million viewers tuning in on ABC.
According to ESPN, this represents an 82% increase from the same event in 2024. The women's championship, also broadcast on ESPN, averaged 2.4 million viewers, a 50% jump from the previous year. Quarterfinals coverage saw its largest audience in over a decade, while early round broadcasts through the Round of 16 posted their best numbers since 2022.
The new Sunday start for the tournament was a key factor in ESPN's success, with Day 1 coverage reaching its highest viewership since 2022, up nearly 83% year-over-year. "We're thrilled to see the U.S. Open continue to grow in popularity," said an ESPN spokesperson. "Our partnership with the US Tennis Association has been instrumental in bringing tennis fans together and showcasing the world's top players."
The U.S. Open men's final was a highly anticipated matchup, pitting two of the sport's rising stars against each other. Alcaraz, the 20-year-old Spanish sensation, had already made waves at the tournament with his dominant play. Sinner, the Italian No. 1 seed, was seeking to add to his impressive resume.
The match lived up to expectations, with both players trading blows in a thrilling contest that went the distance. Alcaraz ultimately emerged victorious, claiming his first U.S. Open title and cementing his status as one of the sport's top contenders.
The success of the U.S. Open men's final is a testament to the enduring popularity of tennis. As the sport continues to grow globally, events like this are helping to drive interest and attract new fans. With the 2026 U.S. Open already on the horizon, tennis enthusiasts can look forward to more exciting matchups and record-breaking ratings.
Background:
The U.S. Open is one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world, attracting top players from around the globe. The event has a long history of delivering thrilling matches and memorable moments, making it a must-watch for sports fans worldwide.
Additional Perspectives:
Tennis analysts are hailing Alcaraz's victory as a significant milestone in his young career. "This win is a testament to Carlos' hard work and dedication," said tennis expert John McEnroe. "He's proven himself to be one of the best players in the world, and this title will only fuel his ambition."
The success of the U.S. Open men's final has also sparked debate about the future of tennis. With a new generation of stars emerging, fans are eagerly anticipating what the sport has in store for them.
Current Status:
As the 2025 U.S. Open comes to a close, ESPN is already looking ahead to next year's event. The network has announced plans to continue its partnership with the US Tennis Association, promising even more exciting coverage and analysis in the years to come.
*Reporting by Forbes.*
