If you’ve ever watched the U.S. Open, you’ve probably marveled at the sheer number of balls that get used. Players swap them out constantly, hundreds of matches are played, and by the end of the tournament, there are enough fuzzy yellow balls to make your dog’s dreams come true. So what happens to those U.S. Open tennis balls after a tournament? They embark on a meaningful second act that’s good for communities, the environment, and even a few unexpected recipients. It might surprise you to learn that about 70,000 tennis balls are used over the course of the tournament, but each ball is replaced after the first seven games of a match. After that, they’re swapped out every nine games for brand-new ones. That means the same ball is usually in play for just 30 to 45 minutes. Thankfully, they don’t all end up in a giant landfall. Some match-used balls are sold as official U.S. Open souvenirs, while others are sent to organizations like RecycleBalls, where they’re transformed into materials used for athletic court surfaces. Some tennis balls are set aside for player appearances, autograph sessions and special fan experiences. Are U.S. Open tennis balls worth any money? While most sell for a modest $10 to $20, the tennis ball Carlos Alcaraz served on the championship point to defeat Jannik Sinner in the U.S. Open men’s final sold at Sotheby’s for a record $88,900. So, the next time you see a fuzzy yellow tennis ball, remember: It might end up being worth a lot more than the $3 you would pay for one at a sporting goods store.
