Episode summary
US Open 2026: Live From Billie Jean King National Tennis Center Day One | Bloomberg Businessweek
Bloomberg Businessweek Daily
· · Hosts: Tim Stenovec, Carol Massar · Guests: Steve Flink, Aleco Azqueta, Christian Basnigh, Anthony Sama
Summary
The episode is a live US Open broadcast built around the tournament’s scale, its culture, and the business around it. A tennis journalist argued that the event has become more of an American sporting spectacle than a pure tennis championship, even as he celebrated the history of the sport and said Wimbledon still has unmatched prestige. He also said the current American men’s field, led by Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz, looks stronger than recent generations, while the women’s draw remains deep with Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula among the main threats.
The conversation then shifted to branding and sponsorship, with a Grey Goose marketing executive explaining how the Honey Deuce cocktail became a signature US Open product over 20 years. He said the drink, the cup, and related activations help keep Grey Goose at the center of the event and drive brand association and sales.
A creator behind Christian’s Court described how independent tennis media can build access through social platforms, player relationships, and self-funded reporting. The episode closed with the Flushing Meadows Corona Park administrator, who explained the park’s role as landlord, steward, and public partner for the venue, and said success means a safe, clean, well-run park experience for the millions who pass through.
Key takeaways
- The tennis journalist said Wimbledon remains the sport’s preeminent event, and the US Open cannot overtake its tradition.
- The tennis journalist sees Ben Shelton as the most promising American man, while Taylor Fritz may have already peaked in his late 20s.
- The tennis journalist said the women’s field is deeper, with Coco Gauff a major threat and Jessica Pegula possibly due for a breakthrough.
- The Grey Goose executive said the Honey Deuce is a 20-year partnership success and a major brand engine for the company.
- The creator behind Christian’s Court said self-funded tennis media can grow through YouTube, social clips, and player access.
- The parks administrator said the US Open sits inside a public park and the city measures success by safety, cleanliness, and the visitor experience.
Notable quotes
“from my standpoint, not enough. But I understand why it's occurred because it's become an American sporting extravaganza”
“the big money is, you know, through brand deals and that nature”
“I think he does have a good head on his shoulders. I think he has a great game, a great personality”
How the episode opens
Bloomberg Audio Studios, podcasts, radio, news. This is Bloomberg Business Week Daily, reporting from the magazine that helps global leaders stay ahead with insight on the people, companies, and trends shaping today's complex economy. Plus, global business, finance, and tech news as it happens. The Bloomberg Business Week Daily podcast with Carol Masser and Tim Stenbec on Bloomberg Radio.
Well, Steve Flink has seen some tennis. He's been covering the sport since 1974. So, it's more than 50 years, we should know. For some context, Molly, this was the era of Jimmy Connors, Arthur Ash, Chris Ever, uh, Billy Jean King, Martina Averalovva,
And back into the era that I grew up with with Pete Sampris, Andre Agassy, um, Venus and Serena, of course. — Now, hold it a second. You're giving away your youth. — That's a saying, I've got a big poster of Andre Agassy back in my childhood bedroom. This is like This is version or the '90s version of him?
It's a crossover. — Okay. So, it's like long hair versus short hair, right? — There's a little both in there. All right. He's also the author of multiple books, The Greatest Tennis Matches of All Time, Pete Sampas, Greatness Revisited, and The Immortals of American Tennis. We are joined by the author and tennis journalist Steve Flink. Welcome. Welcome.
Welcome. Thank you for having me. — How many uh US Opens you think you've been to? — Oh, well, I mean, I I started coming when it was still the US Championships in ' 65, but I've been to every Open except for 1970 where I was studying in England that year. and I couldn't I I I was unable to make the 1970 open.
Is the open in your view and we're gonna dive right into it.
From the episode’s captions: roughly the first two minutes, lightly cleaned. Keep watching on YouTube →
Topics
- us open prize money
- tennis economics
- sports marketing
- influencer culture
- nyc parks
Companies and tickers mentioned
- Bacardi
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Summary, takeaways and quote selection by Octagon. Quotes are short excerpts; the full conversation is in the episode.
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