This story appears in the Aug. 28, 2017, issue of Sports Illustrated. Subscribe to the magazine here.
There are, in fairness, some populist touches to the U.S. Open, the world's largest tennis event. The $60 grounds pass remains one of the great values in sports, entrée to watch dozens of matches for as long as 12 hours. But make no mistake: Overall, the U.S. Open is a province of the superelite, a redoubt of privilege.
Just stroll through the parking lots in Flushing Meadow and you'll catch the first unmistakable whiff of wealth.