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It’s time for The U.S. Open of Tennis! In addition to being the tennis Major of North America, the U.S. Open is also one of the most important sports events to take place in Queens and is critical to the borough, especially if the Mets stink (so, usually).

Every year, the final major of the year is held at the Billie Jean King Tennis Center complex, with the main court featuring at Arthur Ashe Stadium. All the biggest matches, including both the men’s and women’s final, are held at Arthur Ashe. With its fast hard courts and vibrant crowd (often including many New York-based celebrities), the U.S. Open easily distinguishes itself from the more formal Wimbledon and the slow clay court based French Open.

This year’s draw promises to provide some interest. Roger Federer’s magical comeback mystery tour rolls along, as the now 36 year old continues to defy tennis history and known sports biology by continuing to play at an elite level. Part of the secret is simply rest of course, as Federer has withdrawn from more tournaments to stay fresh. Still, the fact that he is the favorite heading into the Open at his age is a marvel. Tennis used to be ruled by prodigies in their late teens and early 20s. No longer.

Federer has tough draw and could potentially have to get through other bright lights such as Nick Kyrgios, Dominic Thiem and longtime rival Rafael Nadal just to reach the semifinals. While Nadal has not been in quite the same form as Federer over the past few tournaments, he does have the easier path and might be the safer bet. With Andy Murray sitting out due to injury, Nadal and Federer will supply most of the veteran star power. It will be interesting to see if any of the young guns can step up to the challenge. Also keep an eye on relative newcomer Alexander Zverev.

Over on the women’s side, all eyes are on Maria Sharapova who is returning to the game after a 15-month drug suspension.  Sharapova only made it as a wildcard and the U.S. Open will be her first major back.  Long layoffs can be killer for tennis players, so it will be interesting to see how she plays. Even with her time away from the game, Sharapova is still the biggest woman star and will draw the lion’s share of the attention.

Garbiñe Muguruza is coming off her Wimbledon win and has been playing the best tennis of her life all year. The smart money is still on Muguruza, but top seed Karolina Pliskova, Angelique Kerber and Simona Halep (who opens against Sharapova) are all lurking. It should be quite a corker.

All in all, the U.S. Open is one of the premier tennis events in the world and in one of the greatest cities in the world. Don’t pass up the chance to go to a match if you’re in the area!