Tickets for the semifinal between Alcaraz and Djokovic have been scalped to nearly $30,000, sparking outrage among international fans.

Recall last year’s US Open? The exorbitant ticket prices made fans sigh in disbelief. The semifinal showdown between local favorites Fritz and Tiafoe even drove average prices to sky-high figures. According to reports, the most expensive ticket for that game was nearly $60,000.

Since the Fritz-Tiafoe matchup caused such a surge in ticket prices, just picture what happens when two tennis legends face off. On one side stands Djokovic, with 24 Grand Slam titles, and on the other, the 22-year-old Spanish prodigy Alcaraz, who has already claimed 5 Grand Slams. Their US Open semifinal is highly anticipated, yet many fans are unhappy with the ticket pricing.

The semifinal between Alcaraz and the Serbian star is scheduled for September 5 at Arthur Ashe Stadium. For ordinary tennis fans, attending in person seems nearly impossible. Why? Just look at the prices: the cheapest ticket to watch the match live at Arthur Ashe Stadium is $1,000.

But wait, what about the most expensive courtside tickets? They reach nearly $30,000 (specifically $26,725). To witness the Serbian king face off against the “Spanish magician” in person, this is the price you must pay.

Unquestionably, die-hard fans and those unable to afford tickets have expressed strong reactions on social media. Many have recently criticized the organizers for making it impossible to watch the US Open live. So, what is the general mood among fans?

One fan sarcastically mocked the organizers for pricing tickets beyond the reach of average workers, writing: “How considerate, making this experience so ‘affordable’ for the working class.” Another fan angrily shared a similar sentiment: “The days when ordinary people could attend the US Open are gone… it’s such a shame.”

This isn’t the first time the US Open has faced such issues. Remember Serena Williams’ final appearance in 2022? Ticket prices also surged then, especially after she upset the No. 2 seed Kontaveit. The minimum price for her third-round match tickets soared to $530. In fact, even early-round matches averaged around $2,000. Moreover, the best courtside seats were marked up to an astonishing $48,500.

A disappointed fan wrote: “I’m really about to explode with anger.” Others tried to highlight the harsh reality: “Considering this week’s economic and employment data, lifestyles have become extremely divided.”

Even at last year’s US Open, ticket prices skyrocketed to unreasonable levels. Suites on both sides of the stadium cost $20,000 per person, while seats at the top tier of the stands exceeded $700. Ultimately, some responded to the situation bluntly: “Prices are completely out of control. This is madness.”

As the epic duel between Alcaraz and Djokovic draws near, the intense atmosphere inside the stadium contrasts sharply with the controversy over ticket prices outside. On one hand, fans are eager to witness a face-off between two generations of tennis greats; on the other, sky-high prices exclude many regular tennis enthusiasts. Is this the inevitable cost of a grand event, or a consequence of excessive commercialization? This question deserves reflection on the glorious stage of the US Open.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Spark)