What we know about the U.S. Open dating game: Reality show dating and tennis come together on YouTube

Love is in the air. Recently, the United States Tennis Association, in collaboration with Fresh Tape Media, made a shocking announcement: they were dipping their toe into the world of reality TV. With shows such as Love Island or The Bachelor such huge hits, tennis has made its move.

They revealed Game, Set, Matchmaker, a YouTube reality dating series filmed live at this year’s U.S. Open, which runs from August 24 to September 7 at Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens.

The eight-episode series will take place during U.S. Open Fan Week and follows Ilana Rae Sedaka, a 24‑year‑old former figure skater turned Pilates instructor and Long Island native now based in Miami. Dekada leverages her “tennis-savvy” persona as she engages with seven male contestants—a mix of influencers, tennis superfans, and social media personalities—who compete through on-site games, mini‑dates, and themed challenges.

How will Game, Set, Matchmaker work?

The show unfolds over eight consecutive days, beginning with the tournament’s opening day. Episodes will be released daily on YouTube, with the finale scheduled to drop in tandem with the U.S. Open women’s final—framing the competition in parallel with one of tennis’s most high‑profile matches.

The star of the series is Ilana Sedaka, a 24-year-old former figure skating champion and Pilates instructor who harbours a love of tennis. Originally from Long Island and now based in Miami, Sedaka will be introduced to seven male contestants. Together, they’ll go on dates that involve various activities. At the end of each episode, one contestant will be eliminated.

“The US Open has always been one of the most iconic sporting events in the country, and growing up just 30 minutes from Arthur Ashe Stadium, it was something I looked forward to every summer. To now be stepping into this experience at such a legendary venue feels surreal and incredibly special,” said Sedaka.

“I’m coming in open to connection, ready to compete, and excited to be part of something bigger. My hope is to bring a little joy, a little chaos, and a whole lot of realness to the court,” she added.

“We’re excited to break new ground with ‘Game, Set, Matchmaker,’ at the US Open and across our channels this year. It’s the perfect time for us to launch a fun, social-forward concept that meets the moment, engaging fans at the intersection of tennis, pop culture and entertainment,” said Jonathan Zipper, senior director of social media at the USTA.

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