KRISTEN’S KOURT: Looking Ahead to the Farmer’s Classic

Written by: Staff on 17th July 2012

KRISTEN'S KOURT: Looking Ahead to the Farmer's Classic |

By Kristen Tracy

While many are focused on the upcoming 2012 Olympics, those tennis players not lucky enough to be chosen to represent their countries continue on in their usual summer schedule. The 2012 Emirates Airline US Open Series is underway, and next week the men of the ATP tour are coming to Los Angeles. It’s only a 250 level event and doesn’t attract necessarily the biggest names in tennis, but what makes the Farmer’s Classic so great is its intimate atmosphere.

As a tennis fan born and raised in Southern California, I’ve been lucky in the amount of “access” I’ve had to the pro players. Since I began playing tennis over 10 years ago, I have gone to numerous tennis events: tour events, World Team Tennis events, Davis Cup ties, and even a charity event in Florida. And while it has all been amazing, one of my favorite locations has to be the UCLA Tennis Center in Los Angeles. I’ve attended the event several times as a fan, and never have I been able to experience the closeness and intimate playing atmosphere anywhere else. In fact, the event (which was then known as the Mercedes-Benz Cup) was the first chance I ever got to meet not one, but two professional players. As a die-hard tennis fan, it’s something that I will never forget. And what made the moment even better was that they were two American players. To this day, I stand by the fact that Bob Bryan and Robby Ginepri are two of the nicest players I’ve ever had the chance to meet.

This year, I’ll be attending the Los Angeles event for the first time in a few years. What I’m even more excited about is that I have the pleasure of attending the event as a credentialed member of the media. I am so excited to be covering the event for this site that I can hardly contain myself. It will be my first event with a media credential and while I’m extremely excited, I’m also a bit nervous. But that’s okay. What’s life without a little bit of nerves to motivate you, right?

This year’s Farmer’s Classic already has some amazing players committed. Americans Sam Querrey and James Blake will join fan favorite Xavier Malisse is a field that is sure to leave every tennis fan more than pleased. If you’re not able to make it out to LA don’t fret, because our team will have all the latest covered for you right here. And if you are planning on making the trip, then maybe I’ll see you there. Make sure you come say hi if you do see me!
Follow Kristen on Twitter! @KristensKourt

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