Tennis has never been counted in the same category as, say, basketball, baseball, or football, in America in terms of popularity. And the latest numbers from the US Open are just proving this more. While Novak Djokovic and Coco Gauff seem to be cruising towards title defense, the two-week-long tournament is still in its initial stages. But, this year the first week has been off to a worse start than usual. And one of the biggest reasons has been the ‘elitist’ tag that tennis has not been able to shrug off yet.

After lamenting the exorbitant ticket prices that kept skyrocketing as the US Open drew closer, another fan has pointed out the outrageous ground passes that the tournament seems to be re-selling. “:(((( attending the @usopen has become a activity for the elite. It’s impossible to go if you’re a regular working class person, living in nyc. Truly heartbreaking that grounds admission of all tickets is so expensive #USOpen,” the fan writes.

Attached to the X post is a screenshot of the price of 1 ticket from Ticketmaster that says ‘Grounds Admission (GA) Pass Only’ for $256.30. Additionally, a processing fee of $3.95 may be charged on each purchase. Responding to the fan’s tweet, many came forward to agree, sharing what prices used to be like at the US Open originally.

US Open ticket and grounds pass prices leave tennis fans fuming

Once upon a time, tennis used to be played almost exclusively on grass, much like golf. Maybe it was the increased cost of maintaining the surface that brought on an air of ‘elitism’ to the sport. As any player, whether professional or amateur or even those who play recreationally, will tell you – the equipment actually doesn’t cost that much. Training to be a pro athlete, however, does.

But how does it all fit into what the US Open is forcing fans to spend today for resale tickets? “It’s so disgusting!!!! Grounds passes used to be like $30!!!” wrote one fan. Another agreed, “Omg???? What the hell, I could’ve sworn last year they were around like $100 or something. This is kinda heartbreaking, to be honest”

Fortunately for some, the one week before official games begin, aka Fan Week, is almost free for every match. One can witness top players at exhibition matches. From singles to doubles to mixed doubles featuring players of the present and past, Fan Week is the one week at Flushing Meadows where everyone can flock to the grounds without worrying over spending costs.

Nevertheless, it would be nice if at least New Yorkers got some benefits if one fan’s suggestion is to go by, “They should have a rule that 10% of ground passes are only for New Yorkers and to be bought only in person on the day of the games – flat rate something like $50.”

Another fan gave a plausible solution for those who might want to attend the tournament in person, “Try on the day if you live close enough. They sometimes release more on the day at the box office. But the regular price is pretty expensive too. I remember it was still $60 2 years ago…”

While one suggested, “Go on Thursday (Day Session) during the semis, which is “Community Day” and is free. You can at least watch the doubles matches on the grounds or hang out to watch the semis in the evening from the bars or restaurants. There will be top players practicing, too.”

Paying for lessons is hard enough for players while pursuing their careers, but the audiences who come to see those players when they become pros don’t have it easy either. Welcome to the world of capitalism, it seems, where prices are only ever going to rise.