When late August-early September rolls around, die-hard tennis fans’ eyes brighten and our hands tighten on our rackets.
It’s US Open time!
Last Monday (August 28) opened this year’s fourth and final Grand Slam tournament, the venerable yet rambunctious, hotly contested and never predictable, US Open Tennis Championships, played in the Borough of Queens, New York, August 28, 2023 – September 10, 2023.
Venerable?
Founded in 1881, the US Open is the second oldest of tennis’s four Grand Slams. (Wimbledon is the oldest, founded in 1877; the French Open is third oldest, founded in 1891; and the most recent, the Australian Open, was founded in 1905).
Rambunctious?
New York fans have elevated cheering to an art. They yell, whistle, wave banners, and generally make themselves part of the action. Players encourage fan participation, raising their arms, responding with exaggerated gestures of enjoyment or dismay, feeding on that energy.
Hotly contested?
Last year’s prize money topped $60 million, distributed to singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and wheelchair competitors.
Never predictable?
How about Emma Raducanu and Leylah Fernandez in 2021? Emma, a British 18-year-old qualifier, slew opponents in straight sets to face Leylah, a 19-year-old Canadian, who’d pounded to a pulp not only past champions but also World Number One Naomi Osaka, to reach the Women’s Singles finals. Two relative unknowns mesmerized tennis fans.
Remember who won?
Alto Lakes Tennis Association continues that high-voltage spirit at our own US Open celebration at Outlaw Courts on Saturday, September 9, at 9 AM. Mixed doubles fun play guarantees friendly competition for players of all abilities, ‘Na mean? (Queens slang for “Know what I mean?”).
As always, ALTA Social Chair Kandy Adams and Kandy’s Krew get us wannbe straphangers (fans riding the subway to Queens) in the spirit with New Yawk decor and mint (Queens slang for “high-quality”) refreshments.
“Gimme a bagel wid’ a schmear, Doll.”
We’ll get in the spirit too, wearing red, white, and blue for a mint picture.
Following NYC’s generous fan spirit, ALTA will also collect donations for the Food4Kids backpack program that day.
Real dope, Bro. (Queens slang for “Really cool, Friend”).
Hey, Yooz! Don’t be a yutz (Queens slang for “foolish person”) and miss our last Grand Slammer event. Sign up on Foretees>Courts>Events NOW.
Don’t fuh-gedda-bout it!
All Grand Slammer events are free to ALTA members, who may bring guests for a nominal fee. Or, join ALTA right now. For info, contact any of the ALTA Board members (names and contact info on ALTA web page).
Notfuh nuttin’ (Queens slang for “Goes without saying”).
You don’t have to wait for a Slammer event to enjoy tennis fun. All year-long, ALTA is your site for unlimited tennis fun, with scheduled play every week. Contact Paul Braun ([email protected]) for men's doubles; Elaine Wedgeworth for ladies’ doubles ([email protected]); or just show up on Fridays at 9:00.
Tennis, everyone!
