7 reasons you can’t miss the US Open tennis finals on SBS

Whether you’re a tennis fan, a sports lover or just like action, the US Open has got you covered.

Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates defeating Feliciano Lopez of Spain during their third round men's singles match. Source: Getty

The US Open is the final tennis Grand Slam of the season. Here are seven reasons why the US Open is simply not to be missed...

Roger Federer

Who hasn’t heard of Roger Federer? He is the greatest tennis player of all time!

The record-breaking Swiss maestro has been in sublime form this season, claiming two major titles and on track to make it 20 career Grand Slam wins if he takes out the US Open. His nearest challenger is Rafael Nadal, who has 15 career Grand Slam titles.

But if the "Fed Express" is to win the US Open, he will have to come through a tricky draw, including a blockbuster quarter-final against favourite Juan Martin Del Potro, which is set to air LIVE and FREE Thursday morning on SBS.

If Federer can survive that clash, he will most likely face Nadal in a mouth-watering semi-final (also LIVE and FREE Saturday morning on SBS, if the Spaniard also wins his quarter-final).

It’s NYC

Source: Getty

Honestly who doesn’t love New York City? It’s the city that never sleeps! And the US Open is no different, with matches regularly going deep into the night.

The lights, glitz and glamour is all on show at the Flushing Meadows courts, with a night at the tennis sometimes resembling a concert.

The courtside celebrities

Source: Getty

Not a missed tennis or sports fan? No worries, the US Open has got you covered.

Beyoncé and Jay Z (above) are regularly in attendance, and Justin Timberlake has already graced the fans with his presence twice during the tournament this year alone. James Franco and even the original James Bond, Sean Connery, have also made cameo appearances during the 2017 event.

And the cameramen never miss a chance to get them onscreen.

Have a "short" break from work

The US Open "primetime" night sessions start from 9am (AEST) daily, so we’ve got the 9-5 worker covered from Wednesday to Friday if you want a "short" break from work. Just bring up the SBS On Demand live stream here, and you can watch the best tennis players and the US Open drama all while doing your day job. It will honestly make a slow workday fly by.

Come Saturday, our semi-final and final coverage will begin from 6am daily through to Monday, so make sure you set your alarms to tune into SBS on TV or continue streaming on SBS On Demand.

Venus Williams and the American women’s resurgence

When it comes to big names in women’s tennis, everyone knows Venus Williams. The evergreen 37-year-old has enjoyed a tremendous 2017, including two Grand Slam finals, and with star sister Serena just giving birth, Venus is among the favourites to claim this year’s title.

The Williams sisters are a global sporting brand, and with the American women’s resurgence, which could include up to four US stars in the quarter-finals, the local crowd will be in raptures.

Rafael Nadal

2017 US Open Tennis Championships - Day 6 Source: Getty

The exciting Spaniard and long-time rival of Federer always has the crowd on their feet with his intensity and charisma. "Rafa" is a showman who feeds off the crowd’s energy – and wait until you see his interesting pre-serve routine!

If both Nadal and Federer progress to the semi-finals, the winner of their battle will almost, undoubtedly claim the 2017 US Open crown.

The entertainment factor

Flushing Meadows. Source: Getty

In case you haven’t gathered, the US Open transcends tennis and the overall entertainment package is priceless. Whether it be celebrities, the players themselves, the dummy spits or even the loud music on changeovers, the season’s final Grand Slam has it all.

And the US Open organisers ensure all spectators can get involved with their "fan friendly" policy of the crowd keeping any balls they catch during the match and the words of songs being shown up on the big screen so they can sing along.

 

Watch all the 2017 US Open action from the quarter-finals onwards live, free and in HD on SBS, and streamed live via SBS On Demand. Starting from 9am on Wednesday 6 September through to the women's singles final on 10 September and men's singles final on 11 September.