For the first time in history, the women’s final at the U.S. Open has sold out before the men’s final.
The reason is simple and clear: People are clamoring to see Serena Williams go for the elusive grand slam, as the winner of all four major tournaments in a single calendar year.
Per Darren Rovell of ESPN.com:
“USTA spokesman Chris Widmaier said ticket records, as with anything, are less reliable over time, but the organization is confident that this is the first time the ticket demand was greater for a women’s final.”
Rovell also notes that seats for the women’s final are trading three times higher than they have in the past. Furthermore, the tickets for the women’s final are only $38 less than those for the men’s, and the previous best difference between the two came back in 2012, when that gap was $150.
Clearly, Williams is a hot ticket right now.
Should she go on to win this year’s final at the U.S. Open, then Williams would be the first woman to win a grand slam in tennis since 1988 when Steffi Graf pulled off the momentous feat.
In her way this year could be Sloan Stephens, whom Williams could face in the third round, and of course Maria Sharapova, who could be waiting for her in the semifinals. The tournament begins on August 31 in New York, N.Y.