This week marks the second straight collaboration between the U.S. Open and Marvel, built around the theme Celebrating 75 Years of Breaking Barriers. The campaign honors the late Althea Gibson, who in 1950 broke tennis’ color barrier by competing in the U.S. National Championships (now the U.S. Open). To mark the occasion, Marvel has released a comic book featuring Gibson alongside the Fantastic Four.
“We erected a statue [of Althea Gibson] on the grounds a few years ago, but she hasn’t been a household name like Arthur Ashe; so when we had this significant moment in time to recognize her contributions to the sport and how she has served as an inspiration to so many generations of tennis players, it felt like the right time to do that,” said Nicole Kankam, USTA managing director, pro tennis marketing and entertainment. “It gives us the opportunity to celebrate and reaffirm the USTA’s long-standing commitment to inclusion and broadening the tent of our sport.”
Six thousand comic books are being given out free each day Monday through Friday (register for the free Fan Access Pass), and another 10,000 on Saturday for Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day. “Marvel came up with an interesting way to connect with young fans,” said Kankam. “We wanted to tell a story and make it contemporary and relevant to fans today but pay homage to history.”
While the U.S. Open officially kicks off on August 25, this week is also full of events. There are the qualifying rounds, practice opportunities for players, a full slate of fan-centric activities and the actual U.S. Open mixed doubles competition. Each day during Fan Week, people can roam the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center for free.
“It’s really great tennis you can see up close and personal,” said Kankam. “We see anecdotally from the research that families love bringing their kids. We have lots of family friendly activities and entertainment all throughout the grounds. In the U.S. Open American Express Fan Experience, we’ll have a tennis court where fans can get on a court and try their hand at red ball tennis, which is tennis for young people and people who are new to play.”
Saturday is all about kids ages 5 to 18. Pros will be practicing. There will be a show by YouTube sensations Dude Perfect at Arthur Ashe Stadium and a special appearance by defending U.S. Open champion Aryna Sabalenka.