The Fan Week
A week prior to the start of the US Open Tournament, dedicated fans and casual spectators are given the chance to experience the vibe and the feel of the last tennis Grand Slam tournament of the year.
From August 19 to 25, the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center grounds were open to fans free of charge. There’s the choice of watching world class tennis in the Qualifying Tournament for the 16 remaining spots of the Main Draw at several open courts in the 18-hectare complex. Some special events required tickets, though, of course, for a fee.
Taking the #7 train from Midtown Manhattan, me and my wife Denise went to Flushing Meadows last Friday, August 23 but got off at the last train stop to have lunch. After our meal and with a slight limp, it was a 20-minute walk to the tennis center.
We got to see parts of some qualifying matches of younger, start-up players and with our Fan Access Pass, got inside the cavernous Arthur Ashe Stadium where we witnessed Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev in a practice game that could just pass as an official match because of their intensity, complete with grunts from the German.
On that day, the pass also allows us to see top players, on a first-come-first-served basis, being interviewed up close on Media Day, but since gout had been my best friend, it has become uncomfortable to wait until evening.
I don’t know why, but I am personally delighted hearing their shoes squeak on the cushioned acrylic hard court. At the rate they’re grinding, they would probably wear out at least three pairs until they reach the semis. I would assume that their shoe sponsors (Adidas for Zverev and Lacoste for Medvedev) give them several pairs to wear for the duration of the tournament. As far as I know, Nike gives 8 pairs to their tennis endorsers.
At the adjacent Louis Armstrong Stadium, there was Frances Tiafoe practicing against an Eastern European whose name I can’t recall. It was so-so, with both players just going through their hour-and-a-half allotted practice match. What made the time inside the stadium entertaining was the random video shots of fans shown on the 2 big screens above the bleacher section.
If you can find unoccupied courtside seats, you’re in luck as you can just have your picture taken or have some items signed by players after their practice game. Several booths sell items that can be signed like those basketball-sized tennis balls.
There was a fiesta atmosphere outside of the stadiums with tennis-related interactive games, promotional booths from banks, hotels and airlines with freebies. The usual US Open merchandise was for the taking but $40 for either a cap or a t-shirt is kinda steep. Step into the shop of the tournament’s official outfitter Ralph Lauren and shirts could go as high as $160.
Because the tournament officially had begun, it will now cost $28 just to enter the grounds. You still must buy tickets to watch the matches. Since we had the great opportunity to see Medvedev and Zverev play in person and for free, we don’t find the need to pay for the eye-watering ticket prices.
We might be back on the last day not to see the Finals but to check on discounted merchandise.
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