Eugenia Mello Designs 2026 U.S. Open Theme Art

The official theme artwork for the 2026 U.S. Open tennis championships has been created by Eugenia Mello, a Brooklyn-based illustrator. Her piece, themed 'Celebrating Our New York Story,' sets a tennis court against the city skyline. The poster is a tribute to New York's cultural diversity, reflecting the experiences of many who travel to the tournament from around the world.

Mello’s own background has shaped her artistic journey. She moved to New York in 2015 and draws inspiration from the city's dynamic energy and the stories of its immigrant community. While the creative process for the U.S. Open poster involved 23 revisions, the final version remains close to her initial sketch, retaining the freshness that characterizes her work.

Carrie Ehorn, director of Pro Tennis Marketing for the U.S. Open, selected Mello’s piece after reviewing over 200 portfolio submissions. Ehorn noted the appeal of Mello's use of color and her ability to connect the tournament to the city's energy. This year, the artwork’s reach will be significantly broadened; beyond tickets and promotional materials, it will also appear on an ice cream truck traveling around the city and in tennis-themed video games.

Using the artwork on these varied platforms marks a shift in how the U.S. Open utilizes its theme art. Mello’s lifelong fascination with movement and her vibrant color palette are evident in the work, which captures the essence of New York and the spirit of the tournament. As an Argentine, Peruvian, and Caribbean New Yorker, her personal background informs her artistic vision, creating a piece that will resonate with attendees as the 2026 U.S. Open approaches.