Introduction: The 2025 Open Already Feels Legendary
The U.S. Open is always chaotic, but 2025 has already delivered storylines that will be remembered long after the final ball is struck. Expanded to a 17-day event, with new prize structures and fan-first features, this year’s Open feels like a reinvention of the tradition. From celebrity-packed stands to emotional farewells, from rising stars to fashion statements, the atmosphere in Queens is buzzing with history in the making. Cannabis culture is only a small part of the story, but its presence is felt in the background of New York nightlife, stadium vibes, and fan rituals.
Venus Williams Brings the Tears
One of the most emotional moments came early. Venus Williams, at 45 years old, took the court in what may be her final U.S. Open appearance. The ovation she received before and after her match carried the weight of decades of tennis dominance. Fans stood, many with tears in their eyes, as she thanked them and reflected on her career. In that moment, the Open wasn’t just about competition; it was about legacy, perseverance, and honoring a champion who paved the way for generations.
Iga Świątek Sets the Tone
World number one Iga Świątek looked every bit the favorite as she stormed through her opening match. What made her appearance especially memorable wasn’t just the scoreline, but the personality she showed off the court. Świątek managed to blend dominance with cultural awareness, casually dropping references to her favorite music and celebrating celebrity news that made headlines off the court. She reminded everyone that in 2025, tennis players are not just athletes, they are cultural figures with influence far beyond the baseline.
Coco Gauff Survives a Thriller
Coco Gauff, fresh off her continued rise into superstardom, gave fans one of the early roller-coasters of the tournament. Her match stretched deep into the night with the crowd fully behind her, and she managed to pull off a gutsy three-set win. Gauff is also experimenting with her serve this season, tweaking mechanics to sharpen her power game. The U.S. Open crowd embraced the drama, roaring with every point. In many ways, Gauff represents the energy of the Open itself: youthful, ambitious, unpredictable, and electric under the lights.
Rising Stars Take Center Stage
This Open has also been a showcase for new names. Coleman Wong, trained at Rafael Nadal’s academy, became the first man from Hong Kong to win a Grand Slam singles match. His victory was met with massive pride from fans around the world. Eliot Spizzirri, a former standout at the University of Texas, also won his first-round match in convincing fashion. These kinds of breakthroughs are part of what makes the U.S. Open special: it is where unknowns become household names overnight.
Zverev, Medvedev, and the Power Players
While the young stars shine, the veterans are not leaving quietly. Alexander Zverev moved through his opening rounds with a confidence that suggests he is ready to make another deep run. Daniil Medvedev, always a chaotic figure at the Open, continues to feed off the New York crowd’s intensity. Both represent the top tier of men’s tennis, and both know the Open is often decided as much by atmosphere and mental toughness as it is by talent.
The Vibe Inside the Stadium
If you have ever been to the U.S. Open, you know the crowd is not like Wimbledon or Roland Garros. New York brings noise, fashion, food, and personality. Fans yell during serves, celebrities wave from the luxury boxes, and late-night matches turn into full-on parties. This year, some players have even joked about the faint smell of cannabis wafting through the grounds. It is a reminder that the Open isn’t just a tennis event, it is a slice of New York City itself. Cannabis has become part of the city’s culture, and in subtle ways, it now brushes up against one of its biggest sporting stages.
Fashion Off and On the Court
The U.S. Open is also about what people wear. Naomi Osaka made headlines with her sparkling outfits, while Coco Gauff balanced performance gear with bold style choices. Celebrities in the stands, from musicians to actors, treat the event as a runway. Cannabis-inspired fashion has begun to creep in too, with fans rocking green-accented streetwear, sneakers with leafy motifs, and accessories that nod to cannabis culture. It is proof that tennis and style are no longer separate, and cannabis continues to influence how people dress in New York.
Food, Drink, and the Munchie Factor
Food at the U.S. Open is famous in its own right. Burgers, lobster rolls, craft cocktails, and gourmet desserts have transformed stadium eating into a full culinary adventure. Fans who pair cannabis with the Open say it elevates the food experience even further. A lobster roll after an edible or a sundae during a night match becomes a memory in itself. While alcohol has long dominated sporting events, cannabis is sliding into that space as an alternative that pairs perfectly with stadium dining.
The Nightlife That Surrounds the Tournament
The Open doesn’t end when the last serve is struck. Fans pour into Manhattan and Queens, heading to late-night dinners, rooftop lounges, and afterparties. Cannabis culture has found its place here too. Lounges across the city welcome tennis fans who want to wind down without another cocktail. Rooftops glow with smoke sessions after long days in the stands. Just as the Open reflects New York’s fashion and food culture, it now reflects its cannabis nightlife as well.
Why Cannabis and the U.S. Open Fit Together
At first glance, tennis and cannabis may seem like an odd match. Tennis has always been associated with tradition and polish, while cannabis has been tied to counterculture. But the U.S. Open is not Wimbledon. It is loud, chaotic, diverse, and unapologetically New York. In that sense, cannabis feels right at home. Both represent a spirit of community, ritual, and personal expression. The Open thrives on unpredictability, and cannabis culture thrives on individuality. Together, they reflect the changing face of modern culture.
Looking Ahead: What to Watch in Week Two
The storylines only get bigger from here. Can Iga Świątek continue her dominance and add another Slam to her collection? Will Coco Gauff ride the New York crowd to glory? Will a rising star like Coleman Wong or Eliot Spizzirri make a Cinderella run? And how will veterans like Zverev and Medvedev hold off the wave of challengers?
The second week of the U.S. Open is where legends are made. And while the players fight for trophies, the culture around the tournament continues to evolve. New York nightlife, celebrity fashion, world-class dining, and yes, even cannabis culture all play a part in shaping the event.
Conclusion: A Tournament That Reflects a City
The U.S. Open is more than just a Grand Slam. It is New York in microcosm: loud, stylish, emotional, unpredictable, and unforgettable. From Venus Williams’ tears to Coco Gauff’s late-night drama, from rising stars to celebrity fashion, 2025 has already proven to be one of the most memorable editions yet. Cannabis is not the star of the show, but it lingers in the atmosphere, a reminder that New York culture is always shifting and always blending. The U.S. Open remains a tennis tournament first, but it is also a cultural festival where sport meets style, nightlife, and modern identity.
