A train… another train… a friend… a subway… another subway.
The morning sun was shining and the temperature was comfortably warm. I walked along a tree-lined path to the line where I was to meet a friend who was a long-time US Open veteran. I found myself wondering things about the other people in line, some of which I could deduce from observation… was this their first time visiting the Open? Did they come from far away? Were they there with friends or family? Who were they there to see?
It was strange not having any idea what to expect, but since I would have the benefit of a friend’s experience, I was able to enjoy that feeling. Three of us met up, and when the gates opened, we ran (or jogged, depending on who you ask) to the grandstand.
Then I was there. At a tennis court at the US Open. It took a little time for me to realize where I was, after processing the unfamiliarity and anticipation of what would be my deepest immersion into tennis, to date. Eventually, the realization set in, but part of me was still amazed that I was there. Fortunately, there was time before the first match and we were there early enough to get good seats.
So began my US Open experience.
I’m not able to adequately describe my experience over the two days I was there. It was fun, exciting, and I was amazed by many things. I learned things I can use the next time I go, and as well as things I was able to use on the court. Saying that being there in-person adds an entire dimension feels like an understatement.
Needless to say, by the end, I decided that I definitely want to go back.
For reference, here is a list of the matches that I watched partially or entirely (13 total):
Thursday (day 4)
The morning sun was shining and the temperature was comfortably warm. I walked along a tree-lined path to the line where I was to meet a friend who was a long-time US Open veteran. I found myself wondering things about the other people in line, some of which I could deduce from observation… was this their first time visiting the Open? Did they come from far away? Were they there with friends or family? Who were they there to see?
It was strange not having any idea what to expect, but since I would have the benefit of a friend’s experience, I was able to enjoy that feeling. Three of us met up, and when the gates opened, we ran (or jogged, depending on who you ask) to the grandstand.
Then I was there. At a tennis court at the US Open. It took a little time for me to realize where I was, after processing the unfamiliarity and anticipation of what would be my deepest immersion into tennis, to date. Eventually, the realization set in, but part of me was still amazed that I was there. Fortunately, there was time before the first match and we were there early enough to get good seats.
So began my US Open experience.
I’m not able to adequately describe my experience over the two days I was there. It was fun, exciting, and I was amazed by many things. I learned things I can use the next time I go, and as well as things I was able to use on the court. Saying that being there in-person adds an entire dimension feels like an understatement.
Needless to say, by the end, I decided that I definitely want to go back.
For reference, here is a list of the matches that I watched partially or entirely (13 total):
Thursday (day 4)
- Men's Singles - 2nd Rnd. - Andy Murray (GBR)[19] def Jonas Bjorkman (SWE) 5-7 6-3 6-1 4-6 6-1
- Women's Singles - 2nd Rnd. - Patty Schnyder (SUI)[11] def Severine Bremond (FRA) 6-3 6-0
- Women's Singles - 2nd Rnd. - Victoria Azarenka (BLR) def Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) 6-2 6-2
- Women's Singles - 2nd Rnd. - Maria Kirilenko (RUS) def Katarina Srebotnik (SLO)[22] 6-4 6-3
- Men's Singles - 2nd Rnd. - Sebastien Grosjean (FRA) def Max Mirnyi (BLR) 6-4 6-7(6) 6-4 6-3
- Men's Singles - 2nd Rnd. - Tommy Haas (GER)[10] def Philipp Petzschner (GER) 4-6 6-3 6-2 7-5
- Mixed Doubles - 1st Rnd. - Victoria Azarenka (BLR)/Max Mirnyi (BLR) def Lisa Raymond (USA)[1]/Nenad Zimonjic (SRB)[1] 6-7(6) 6-3 [10-3]
Friday (day 5)
- Women's Singles - 3rd Rnd. - Dinara Safina (RUS)[15] def Ahsha Rolle (USA) 6-4 6-3
- Men's Singles - 2nd Rnd. - Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) def Marat Safin (RUS)[25] 6-3 6-3 6-3
- Men's Singles - 2nd Rnd. - Robby Ginepri (USA) def Teimuraz Gabashvili (RUS) 6-2 6-3 6-1*
- Women's Singles - 3rd Rnd. - Jelena Jankovic (SRB)[3] def Alize Cornet (FRA) 4-6 6-2 6-3
- Men's Doubles - 2nd Rnd. - Lukas Dlouhy (CZE)[9]/Pavel Vizner (CZE)[9] def Teimuraz Gabashvili (RUS)/Ivo Karlovic (CRO) 6-4 7-6(5)
- Men's Singles - 2nd Rnd.
Agustin Calleri (ARG) def Lleyton Hewitt (AUS)[16] 4-6 6-4 6-4 6-2
* Pictured ball came from this match. (more US Open pics)
No comments:
Post a Comment