My day at the US Open – By Kaya Dorogi

Written by: Staff on 24th August 2013

My day at the US Open - By Kaya Dorogi |

There is so much to do and see on the grounds of the US Open this week! Here is what I did all of yesterday, August 21st. The qualifying rounds are going on right now but the actual tournament does not start till Monday morning, August 25th. Still, it is completely worth going!

First, driving to the US Open wasn’t that hard, but we had a lot of trouble finding parking. At almost all the parking lots you needed some sort of permit. We finally found parking, later after our adventure driving all around the area of the Open.

We walked over to some gate but we were told we needed a “credential” to enter that gate. We had to walk quite some ways to then find that I couldn’t bring in my tennis bag. Although, the lady was very nice about it, and we left my bag at bag check for $5. Which I didn’t mind a whole lot because we weren’t going to walk all the way back to the car.

I would recommend you give yourself at least 30 minutes to find parking and such.

After we finally got inside, we watched the “practice courts” which I thought was very worth my time because there were four courts of very talented tennis players practicing. I saw players like Roger Federer, Jelena Jankovic, Kirsten Flipkens, Alize Cornet, and Sorana Cirstea. I had never seen such top players practice, and watching how they warm up or what they do on each of their groundstrokes was really interesting. I am 11 years old and a tennis player too, so I will try and change some of the things I do in my practice because of what I saw yesterday.

Another one of my recommendations is to bring yourself your own waters (but it has to be a plastic bottle according to the rules) because first of all, it was very, very hot out, and secondly, the water bottles cost $5 for a small bottle. You can also re-fill your water at a water fountain located near the restrooms.

After watching lots of players at the practice courts, and getting many signatures, including Roger Federer (yay!), Alize Cornet, and Sorana Cirstea we went to get Ben & Jerry’s for an ice cream and a frozen strawberry lemonade. Of all the things I bought at the US Open, Ben & Jerry’s was the best.

Then I was off to see the qualifying matches next. It’s great to see so many amazing tennis players all competing for their spot at the US Open. And you can watch it with front row seats at the ground courts. I again really loved watching all these awesome players.

Another thing I loved so much was that all the tennis players were super friendly. Which is also what’s so great about tennis because some athletes aren’t as friendly. And did anyone else notice how cool it was that the players randomly walk around at the Open!

All in all my day was absolutely fantastic. I had to return back to Boston last night, but I am definitely coming back Monday for the first day of the tournament.

Topics: 10sballs.com, Kirsten Flipkens, Roger Federer, Sorana Cirstea, Tennis, US Open