Get ready for a surprising mash-up at the US Open this year. Beyond the fierce tennis matches, the famous tournament is serving up something completely different: a brand new dating show.
Back in July 2025, the US Open teamed up with Fresh Tape Media to announce an eight-episode series for YouTube. It’s called Game, Set, Matchmaker. The show will kick off right on the first official day of the tournament, August 24. This isn’t your typical sports broadcast. It follows "The Champion," Ilana Sedaka, as she looks for love. Ilana is a former figure skating gold medalist and now teaches Pilates. She’ll choose from a group of hopefuls, including social media stars and big-time tennis fans.
Jonathan Zipper, who leads social media for the USTA, shared his excitement. He said they are thrilled to try something new with Game, Set, Matchmaker at the US Open. He feels it’s the perfect time to launch a fun show that connects with fans. It brings together the worlds of tennis, popular culture, and entertainment.
Alana Glenn Moritz, the creative director at Fresh Tape Media, echoed this thought. She pointed out that the US Open is much more than just a tournament. She called it a "cultural stage." Moritz explained that they created the series to capture the event’s unique energy. She said it’s unexpected, relevant, and ties into the excitement and connections that make the US Open special.
What’s the Plan for ‘Game, Set, Matchmaker’?
The entire eight-episode series was filmed at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, New York. Viewers will watch Ilana Sedaka, also known as "The Champion," as she tries to find a partner. She’ll be dating seven different people. These include social media influencers, dedicated tennis superfans, and other internet personalities.
Ilana and her dates will play various games, go on dates, and explore the vast US Open grounds. As the show goes on, she will send the men home one by one. Eventually, only two finalists will remain. Then, Ilana will face the tough choice of picking her match.
Who is the Star of ‘Game, Set, Matchmaker’?
Ilana Sedaka is quite accomplished. She has earned four US gold medals in figure skating. Currently, she works as a Pilates instructor at Solidcore. You can check out more about her on her Instagram page. Ilana is from Long Island, New York. But she now lives in Miami, Florida.
In a statement released through the US Open, Ilana shared her connection to the event. She said the tournament has always been a major sports event in the country. She added that it was something she always looked forward to each summer because she lived so close.
Ilana reflected on her new role in July 2025. She described the experience of being at such a famous venue as dreamlike and very special. She mentioned coming into the show ready to connect and compete. Ilana said she was thrilled to be part of something bigger. Her goal is to bring some fun, a little chaos, and a lot of honesty to the screen.
When Can You Watch ‘Game, Set, Matchmaker’?
You can catch Game, Set, Matchmaker on the official US Open YouTube channel. The first episode premieres on Sunday, August 24. That’s the first full day of the US Open tournament.