‘Moments Of Reflection’: U.S. Open To Honor 25th Memorial Of 9/11
Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 07:11PM By Barry Janoff
Photo: 9/11 MueumSeptember 10, 2026: Organizers of the U.S. Open said they plan to “mark the solemn 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, honoring the lives lost, their families, and the heroism, unity, and enduring resilience that defined New York City in its darkest hour and continues to shape its future.”
The U.S. Tennis Assn. said it has “a long-standing tradition of honoring 9/11 victims and heroes, beginning at the 2002 U.S. Open, the first tournament following the attacks. Since then, the tournament has hosted tributes whenever the date falls within its schedule.”
On September 11, the tournament will host scheduled moments of silence, special pre-match recognition ceremonies, and visual tributes throughout the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
Before the scheduled 3 PM (ET) men’s semifinal, retired U.S. Army Sergeant Major MaryKay Messenger will perform the national anthem, accompanied by American Sign Language Performer Shiran Zhavian.
Ahead of the second men’s singles semifinal that evening, pop/R&B artist JoJo will sing "The Star-Spangled Banner," joined by New York Vocal Collective, and accompanied by American Sign Language performer Mervin Primeaux-O-Bryant.
Colors will be presented by the NYPD Color Guard and the FDNY Honor Guard — a U.S. Open tradition since 2002.
Cadets from the US Military Academy at West Point will also unfurl a giant American flag on court, followed by a coin toss ceremony featuring retired NYPD Detective and current USTA Director of Security Brian Maguire, who served as a first responder during the September 11 terrorist attacks of 2001.
Ahead of the second men’s singles semifinal, pop/R&B artist JoJo will sing "The Star-Spangled Banner," joined by New York Vocal Collective, and accompanied by American Sign Language performer Mervin Primeaux-O-Bryant.
Colors will be presented by the NYPD Color Guard and the FDNY Honor Guard–a U.S. Open tradition since 2002.
Cadets from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point will also unfurl a giant American flag on court, followed by a coin toss ceremony featuring retired NYPD Detective and current USTA Director of Security Brian Maguire, who served as a first responder during the September 11 terrorist attacks of 2001. 
In support of the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum’s call to illuminate the New York City skyline in shared remembrance, Arthur Ashe Stadium will feature a "Tribute in Light" and glow light blue from dusk until dawn — a symbol honoring the lives lost and celebrating New York's unbreakable spirit and strength.
The words “Never Forget” along with the date “9/11/01” will be prominently displayed on the LED screens inside of Arthur Ashe Stadium and around the grounds; in addition, all American flags across the site will be flown at half-mast throughout the day.
The tournament will pause operations throughout the morning and hold sitewide moments of reflection, acknowledging the timeline of the historic attacks that fateful day in New York, Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pa.
The USTA said it is proud to support those affected by 9/11 through donations to Tuesday’s Promise, an organization offering ongoing support for families grieving traumatic loss, and the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which supports military veterans, first responders, and the families of those killed in the line of duty.
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