Tennis Takes Over Manhattan Ahead of US Open

New York City buzzed with tennis excitement in the days leading up to the US Open, as courts popped up in unexpected locations and players embraced unique settings.

Unusual Courts and Celebrated Events

From a pop-up court at the South Street Seaport hosted by Racquet magazine to a private party at the Town Tennis Club and a regulation-size court in the Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria, the city transformed into a tennis haven. Serena Wilson and Carlos Alcaraz even played pickleball in the courtyard of the Lotte New York Palace Hotel.

Waldorf Astoria Invitational Highlights

The Waldorf Astoria Ballroom hosted the Waldorf Astoria Ballroom Tennis Invitational, featuring matches between top players like Leylah Fernandez and Maria Sakkari, and Americans Ben Shelton and Tommy Paul. The event included gourmet bites, custom cocktails, and a radar gun to measure serve speed – Shelton’s top speed reached 141 mph.

Match Results and Spectacle

Fernandez defeated Sakkari in a tight mini-tiebreak (6-5), and Paul beat Shelton (6-2). Former pro Sam Querrey served as the chair umpire, while Andy Roddick provided comic relief. A crowd of 400 lucky fans enjoyed desserts like Eton mess and cheesecake trifle.

A New Manhattan Tradition?

Players expressed enthusiasm for the event, with Ben Shelton hoping for a return invitation. The event, which benefited Big Brothers Big Sisters America, marked a potentially new tradition in the city.