In the world of tennis there are four major Grand Slams in a calendar year: the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. While all of these tournaments have characteristics unique to them, whether it be the type of court played on or what is worn, the US Open is definitely for both the players and spectators.

Perhaps the greatest characteristic of the US Open is that it is unapologetically American and it shows. Arthur Ashe Stadium, the court that prime time matches are usually played on, seats nearly 24,000 people and is filled with cheers and light every night in the heart of the Big Apple. The stadium really comes alive during the coveted night matches that the US Open has also become known for. Matches there can sometimes go on into the early hours of the morning, such as when the last match of night one ended at 1:48 a.m.. And these late nights, flashing lights, and pure excitement is why the US Open is one of the most anticipated, because all of these aspects are just surreal and exciting to watch. What are Americans if not all about putting on a great show? The US Open does just that.

This tournament holds the capacity to bring out the tennis fan in everyone, using Americans love of competition and celebrities to really reign in the crowd. The US Open App allows for user to create a bracket for men's and women's singles, and then let them create leagues to compete as they rake in points. As a country that obsesses over March Madness brackets every year, it makes sense that the US Open would highlight its nationality with this aspect. Media attention also becomes no problem for the Grand Slam when celebrities in the likes of Beyoncé and Jay-Z make an appearance. And once this open has your attention it'll be hard to give up once you see all the drama happening on the court as well as off.

Now, no Open is immune to upsets, and the media coverage they bring with them, but for some reason the 2016 US Open has had surprises in spades. Starting with the fact that the world No. 1 Novak Djokovic, who also won the US Open in 2015, made it to the Semi-Finals by playing only 2 complete matches. After defeating Jerzy Janowicz in round 1 in 4 sets, Djokovic's next foe, Jiri Vesely, withdrew before their match even started moving Djokovic on to round three in a walkover. His next opponent, Mikhail Youzhny, retired from their match just six games in, giving Djokovic just six games of match play between rounds one and four. After making quick work of Kyle Edmund in round 4, Djokovic had another opponent, Jo Wilfred-Tsonga, retire on him after just two sets. While retirements due to injuries are not uncommon in tournaments, Djokovic's run at the US Open this year is one that took everyone by surprise.

In addition to injury withdrawals, there were some other players who went above and beyond and gifted the open with some great upsets. Lucas Pouille's 5 set tiebreaker victory over Nadal ended the latter's seemingly great run. The men's semi-final was just as exciting with Kei Nishikori winning over Wimbledon champ Andy Murray in a 5 set victory. The women's side had its excitement as well, with Caroline Wozniacki coming in unseeded from an injury, and making her way all the way back to the semi-finals before losing to word No.2 Angelique Kerber. Also in the semis was the defeat of No. 1 Serena Williams by Karolina Pliskova.

The US Open is the exciting end to every Grand Slam calender year, showing the world just how America handles things. With our loud, exciting, and dramatic spin on the classic game of tennis, no one could ever mistake this Open for any other. The sun goes down, the lights come on, and we all wait for the call of "game, set, match."