\u2022 Andy Roddick and I will be holding Served<\/a>, as it were, doing a draw (and, inevitably, redraw) podcast episode, daily quick serves and TBD live shows.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2022 Tennis Channel\u2019s daily U.S. Open live pregame show starts at 9 a.m. ET.\u00a0 This year, Lindsay Davenport, Jim Courier, Chanda Rubin, Brett Haber and I will be on-site. Steve Weissman, Prakash Amritraj and Paul Annacone will be in L.A. In various combinations and permutations, we will be gabbing each morning before the matches. Conflicts aside and disclosed, it\u2019s good fun and crackling television.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2022 ESPN is your go-to for match coverage, first ball to last.<\/p>\n \u2022 As sporting event websites go, USOpen.org<\/a> is strong. Bookmark it. Play around with the stats, not the momentum-based player ratings. And note the practice schedules, which are posted daily.<\/p>\n \u2022 @T_tennis_tennis: \u201cDownload the U.S. Open app in advance and check out the order of play the night before to make a game plan of what you\u2019d like to see.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2022 Root for all Ukrainian players.<\/p>\n \u2022 Root for any and all players outside the top 100. Winning that first round\u2014and getting the six-figure payday that accompanies reaching Round 2\u2014could be the difference between financing another year on tour and quitting the sport.<\/p>\n \u2022 Root for players who are parents. Root for players born in the 1980s. (They grow old; they grow old \u2026 ) Root for the undersized, the underaged, the underdogs and the undergrads. <\/p>\n \u2022 Root for the players who could use it. This year, candidates include two former champions (Daniil Medvedev and Bianca Andreescu), a pair of Greeks (Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari), Zach Svajda and, again, did we mention the Ukrainians?<\/p>\n \u2022 Last year, @Ascharfmind asked: \u201cPerhaps name up-and-comers we should watch on the back courts before they become stars.\u201d The Victoria Mboko secret is out. Off the top of my head (and adding some fun-to-watch ascending vets), how about: Maya Joint, Gabriel Diallo, Learner Tien, Aoi Ito and Alexandra Eala. Play the odds and note anyone under 25 who happens to be Italian.<\/p>\n \u2022 As always, the program contains a compendium of the finest tennis writing. This year the program is available for order here<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u2022 Check out your U.S. Open knockout pool<\/a>. <\/p>\n \u2022 Watch the top players in the boys and girls singles draw. One day soon, they\u2019re likely to play on the big stages (or not). Either way, it makes for good theater. (A few years ago, it could\u2019ve been Coco Gauff. A few years later, Jo\u00e3o Fonseca.) Adds @meganfernandez: \u201cAnd watching them play let serves is different, fun\u2014and sometimes heartbreaking.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2022 @zootennis adds: \u201cI know you always recommend watching the No. 1 seeds in juniors, but I would add: make time for the finals (on Saturday this year). In just the past [eight] years you would have seen [Taylor] Fritz, [Tommy] Paul, [Miomir] Kecmanovi\u0107, [F\u00e9lix] Auger-Aliassime, [Lorenzo] Musetti, Kenin, Gauff, [Amanda] Anisimova and Xiyu Wang.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2022 If you notice a scoring console and see that a match is deep in the fifth set (or third set for women), watch the conclusion, regardless of whether you\u2019ve heard of either player. It will give you a good sense of just how brutal tennis can be.<\/p>\n \u2022 The robots calling the lines \u2026 they are here to stay.<\/p>\n \u2022 Watch wheelchair tennis. Not out of any sense of duty or obligation, but because it\u2019s super awesome\u2014terrifically entertaining tennis and filled with the kind of shotmaking we all love.<\/p>\n \u2022 Support doubles the way you support live music.<\/p>\n \u2022 We used to advise buying the grounds pass over the seats in Arthur Ashe Stadium. No longer. The USTA issues way too many grounds passes. (\u201cIt\u2019s so crowded no one goes there anymore.\u201d) The cheapest Louis Armstrong seat is comparable in price, offers roving privileges and includes insurance in case of rain.<\/p>\n \u2022 I started in on some ticketing tips, but this page<\/a> is terrific and will answer all your FAQs.<\/p>\n \u2022 @galloots: \u201cIf you want great value, go see matches on the Tuesday after Labor Day, [when] everyone [goes] back to work and tickets on Stubhub are less than face.\u201d<\/p>\n First-round action at the U.S. Open kicks off on Aug. 24. \/ Mike Frey-Imagn Images<\/p>\n \u2022 Take the safest play: the MTA\u2019s much-maligned No. 7 train from the new Hudson Yards, or Times Square or Bryant Park or Grand Central in Manhattan to the Mets\u2013Willets Point stop. Be prepared to stand on your ride, especially if the Mets are playing.<\/p>\n \u2022 @sufed4ever: \u201cIf you are taking the subway, be friendly to other passengers. Struck up a conversation with a doctor, wife and his mom who were fellow U.S. Open attendees and they gave me an extra ticket to one of the suites.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2022 Our preferred alternative: Ride the Long Island Rail Road from both Penn Station and\u2014note this update\u2014Grand Central. It\u2019s much faster and only a tad pricier, though trains run only three or four times an hour, so check the schedule. <\/p>\n \u2022 @clarkcomedy notes: \u201cYou can take a bus to the Open straight from LaGuardia.\u201d At the risk of sounding like a tourist bureau, you\u2019ll be surprised how civil and efficient the trains are. If you insist on private transportation, take an Uber or cab over a car service, which drops you off somewhere near Montauk. (Or where Medvedev returns serve.)<\/p>\n \u2022 Here\u2019s Esha Bhandari: \u201cFor the cycling-inclined, biking to the U.S. Open is an excellent option. If you come up through Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, you can park at bike racks outside the Queens Museum, putting you right by the \u2018back\u2019 entrance to the tennis (the one that subway riders don\u2019t use). Not only is it very pleasant to avoid long lines on the way in, but at the end of the day you can walk out, hop on the bike, and avoid the hordes waiting for the subway.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2022 Note that subway MetroCards are no longer needed. You can swipe your phone to get through the turnstiles.<\/p>\n \u2022 If money is no object, the helicopter service<\/a> is five minutes from Midtown Manhattan to LaGuardia. But don\u2019t do this\u2014Taylor Fritz can attest<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u2022 @morrowtv: \u201cBuy a cheap ticket to a Mets game and catch a few innings during a lull in the action.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2022 @iirene_ricci: \u201cBring a small umbrella for shade during changeovers.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2022@johnsonea: \u201cBring a towel to sit on. The metal bleachers and plastic seats get hot!\u201d<\/p>\n \u2022 Arrive way too early. Or fashionably late. But there\u2019s a crush at 11:00 a.m. ET, when matches usually start.<\/p>\n \u2022 @hidehiro: \u201cBring a drawstring bag and a water bottle.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2022@ddotmarcus: \u201cGrandstand (back) & 17 (right) shade seats go quickly.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2022 @IanKatzTennnis: \u201cDon’t go in through the main front entrance by the boardwalk. Too crowded. Go around to the left and enter through the side.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2022 @Cdhort: \u201cWhile there are charging stations on-site, bring a Mophie or other charging device.\u201d @ChewyYorkie adds: \u201cIf you have a Chase credit card or account, you can get a free portable phone charger. Definitely a must!\u201d<\/p>\n \u2022 Get off your screens, look up and experience life. You\u2019re at the U.S. Open. You paid for this. Everything else can wait. And speaking of phone etiquette \u2026<\/p>\n \u2022 Your fund is crushing it, the Hamptons were amazing, your kids loved camp and your buddy got you these tickets. If you insist on a changeover conversation, keep it down, tiger.<\/p>\n \u2022 Check out the Court No. 5 viewing platform.<\/p>\n \u2022 @brad_duester: \u201cWhen going from [Arthur] Ashe to [Louis] Armstrong, walk the back way, not the main way.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2022 @ali_mu_tennis: \u201cIf going to night sessions, NEVER plan something the next morning! If going in the middle of the week, take the next day off work.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2022 @mariayealdhall: \u201cIf you have a Chase card, reserve a spot in the Chase Lounge. You get AC, snacks [and] a free hat each day. Also great during a rain delay.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2022 Good hack from @idontmindk: \u201cGo to the Cadillac booth and watch the video [and] take a survey for a free $15 food voucher.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2022 Little-known fact: Most of the players\u2014including some stars\u2014practice near the main gate and the miniature golf course. Mosey on over. Recently, one of you stumbled upon Fabrice Santoro hitting with Mats Wilander.<\/p>\n \u2022 And yes, your eyes are not deceiving you; there is a miniature golf course\u2014and a pitch-and-putt with lights\u2014mere yards from the back entrance. You\u2019re welcome.<\/p>\n \u2022 If you own an American Express card, investigate whether you\u2019re entitled to a free radio that enables you to hear the TV commentary. (Aside: Whoever does the AmEx U.S. Open sponsorships gets it. These are consistently creative, fun and feel completely non-intrusive.) If not, bring binoculars. Particularly during changeovers\u2014I think Tsitsipas\u2019s dad is on his phone\u2014they can come in handy.<\/p>\n \u2022 @scottzabielski: \u201cThe free AmEx radios are surprisingly awesome. They might not look cool but they make the match so much more interesting. There’s nothing like the Armstrong night sessions\u2014so much fun.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2022 @jinkeudel is among those who note that Chase also has assorted benefits for cardholders, including power banks for charging phones.<\/p>\n \u2022 Complain at least once about the lack of intimacy in Arthur Ashe Stadium and the overselling of grounds passes. And complain at least twice about the lucky ones in the luxury suites who have prime seats yet fail to show or have their backs turned away from the court as they eat their canap\u00e9s and knock back scandalously marked-up wine. It\u2019s your inalienable tennis right.<\/p>\n The Honey Deuce is one of the most popular food and drink fixtures at the U.S. Open. \/ Geoff Burke-Imagn Images<\/p>\n \u2022 Maybe it\u2019s desensitization to overpriced ballpark food or New York prices in general, but the food-court fare\u2014once the subject of so much derision\u2014no longer seems so overpriced. The food ranges from passable to quite good. The terrific Sam Sifton<\/a> cooked this up<\/a> a few years back.<\/a> The Indian joint has always been my personal favorite. Also, at the wine bar near the main fountains, try the burrata\u2014if only because burrata is the single greatest substance known to man.<\/p>\n \u2022 @robinsonandrew: \u201cThe Pat LaFrieda hot dog is the best you\u2019ll ever have at a sporting event.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2022 Alternatively, @danwolken: \u201cTake the 7 train one stop further from BJK and have lunch in downtown Flushing Chinatown. Some of the best Chinese food in the country.\u201d Says @veryape: \u201cQueens has the best food in the city. On the way back, stop off at Sunnyside or Woodside for authentic everything!\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2022 @Mel1612ancholia: \u201cGo to Astoria for some good Greek food\u201d \u2026 A few of you mentioned the Queens beer garden.<\/p>\n \u2022 @mkopelman: \u201cMain Street Flushing pre or post for great Chinese food. We usually do dumplings.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2022 @griffthewhiff: \u201cHit up Ebbs Brewing at Citi Field off the 7 line.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2022 @edmcgrogan: \u201cVisit Forest Hills, the U.S. Open\u2019s old home. Accessible by subway, train\u2014or even a long walk, from Flushing\u2014it abounds in neighborhood cuisine (Nick\u2019s Pizza [currently closed for repairs], Pahal Zan, Eddie\u2019s Sweet Shop), charming history (West Side Tennis Club, Tudor homes, Station Square) and Queens culture.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2022 @steve_weissman: \u201cGet the Pat LaFrieda steak sandwich.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2022 @jasongay: \u201cThe Momofuku chicken sandwich line is worth the wait.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2022 @marclucvero: \u201cHit @brunosoares82 acai stand @oakberryacai to fuel up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2022 For those not working, alternative beverages, as @Pschrags says goadingly: \u201cHave at least two of those Honey Deuces.\u201d Note, too, that various New York bars\u2014including The Campbell in Grand Central Terminal, a personal favorite\u2014serve Honey Deuces during the event.<\/p>\n \u2022 @philbyers: \u201cDo not POUND two honey deuces because you\u2019re thirsty and hot. You will regret it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2022 @bradmiles33: \u201cTry the Italian Ice on the Boardwalk.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2022 @andrewikesports writes: \u201cKeep an eye on the sunset behind the New York City skyline\u2014Manhattan-henge, the kids call it\u2014from the top of [Arthur] Ashe as the night session gets going.\u201d As @stu-fraser puts it: \u201cIf you\u2019re in the top tier, head up to the back row of Ashe on the west side for a tremendous view of the sunset over the city just before the night session begins. One for the tourists perhaps.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2022 @tomtebbutt: \u201cIf you\u2019re top tier in [Arthur] Ashe Stadium\u2014sit in the up-and-down [end] axis of the court\u2014much better view of play.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2022 Note the Bud Collins Media Center\u2014and pause a moment to acknowledge the eponymous. And pay homage to the good, hard-working pool reporters inside. Realize the vile abhorrence of the term \u201cenemy of the people.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2022 @liznyny: \u201cBring an empty plastic bottle to fill up at the water fountains.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2022 @glamspintennis: \u201cThe water situation is bleak. There used to be one good water fountain with cold tasty water but it\u2019s gone. [In 2021] all the water fountain water was warm with a sedimentary taste. Mentally prepare to spend $$$ on water.\u201d [Ed. note: The USTA responds that there are 48 water fountains on the grounds.]<\/p>\n \u2022@santo2259: \u201cYou\u2019re allowed to bring in a plastic water bottle as long as it\u2019s empty, so buy a Gatorade at Penn Station, slug it down on the train ride over, then fill it with water for free all day.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2022 Indulge my pet peeve: If association is a large reason to buy products and show loyalty to brands, my spending an extortionate $8 on a bottle of water is grounds for me never to buy that brand again. Wouldn\u2019t reasonably priced\u2014or heaven forfends, free\u2014water on a hot day be the better marketing play here?<\/p>\n \u2022 @joseinbk: \u201cBring an electric mini fan!!\u201d<\/p>\n \u2022 Unless you have a match that day, there\u2019s no excuse for dressing like a player when you attend the U.S. Open. You don\u2019t wear stirrups to New York Yankees games and leotards to the ballet. Leave the wristbands at home, champ.<\/p>\n \u2022 Alvaro from Madrid: \u201cTo speed through security, put your stuff into a small plastic bag. Also bring a more durable, comfortable bag that you can fold or zipper compactly\u2014keep it out of sight until after the security check \u2026 and bring tightly wrapped food (like an overstuffed deli sandwich, so your bag isn\u2019t bulky), and a plastic water bottle to refill at fountains.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2022 Speaking of good habits, wear sunscreen\u2014though bring cream, not aerosol, as some of you have told me that a can won\u2019t always make it past security.<\/p>\n \u2022 SS: \u201cFeel free to share this, but as it\u2019s a workaround I ain\u2019t posting it on [X]: I stuff my pockets with my extra glasses, money, phone and a small tube of sunblock, and wear my hat (which may come off later). Plus: one of those string bags that go over both shoulders and scrunch up into almost nothing. I enter through the \u201cno bag\u201d line\u2014much, much quicker\u2014and then once inside take out the shoulder bag, etc. Sneaky? Yes. Legit? Kinda. Works? Yup.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2022 @likethemovie19: \u201cDo NOT bring those metal\/insulated Swell-type bottles, as they will not let you bring them in.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2022 @magicjewball: \u201cI bought a cheap chair cushion at Ikea and brought it in my tote. It\u2019s good for the hot benches but also more comfortable.\u201d<\/p>\n We\u2019re serious about the sunscreen.<\/p>\n Enjoy, everyone!<\/p>\n More Tennis on Sports Illustrated<\/p>\n
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