Boosted by an NFL lead-in and the presence of Serena Williams, the U.S. Open Women’s Final earned its highest rating since the last time Williams played in the event.
The U.S. Open Women’s Final between Williams and Samantha Stosur earned a 3.3 final rating and 4.927 million viewers on CBS September 11, up 94% in ratings and 89% in viewership from last year (Clijsters/Zvonareva: 1.7, 2.609M), and up 200% and 170%, respectively, from 2009 Clijsters/Wozniacki: 1.1, 1.828M, ESPN2).
Last year’s final was the only one of the past four years to air in the traditional Saturday night timeslot. The 2009 final aired on a Sunday night on ESPN2.
The match ties 2008 — the last time Williams played in the final — as the highest rated U.S. Open Women’s Final since 2002, when Williams played her sister Venus (5.2).
Keep in mind Sunday’s match had a direct lead-in from the NFL on CBS, unlike previous matches.
The seven highest rated U.S. Open Women’s Finals since at least 1995* have involved either Venus or Serena — their 2001 head-to-head matchup (6.8), Serena’s win in in 1999 (6.3), Venus’ win in 2000 (5.8), their 2002 head-to-head matchup (5.2), Venus’ loss in 1997 (3.3), Serena’s win in 2008 (3.3) and Serena’s loss in 2011 (3.3).
Final ratings for the September 12 Men’s Final were not immediately available.
* Ratings for matches prior to 1996 were not immediately available.
(Nielsen)
