If you haven’t gotten bitten by the tennis bug yet, let me tell you about this amazing sport that takes place out in Flushing Meadows, Queens, New York every year.
I think of the U.S. Open as the three S’s: stamina, strength, and survival. The men and women who were part of the semi-finals, quarter-finals, and finals have racked up hundreds of hours on the tennis courts in practice sessions and actual matches. These are some of the most incredible athletes you’ll ever meet.
If I were giving out awards, I’d have to say the quarter finals played by David Ferrer and Janko Tipsarevic, who twice played into overtime, would be my choice of stamina and strength. Two games of their five-game set, which racked up five hours of straight play, went from early afternoon into the evening hours on September 6th, 2012.
Welcome to the U.S. Open
Although it has been right at the top of my “bucket list”, this was my first time ever going to the U.S. Open. It was as exciting as a tennis match as one will ever see! The adrenaline pumping from these two players was as palpable as hearing their hearts beat. Spectators chatted in amazement, calling out their names, “David, Janko.” David Ferrer chrged from behind to beat Janko Tipsaveric at the end of the quarter finals.
Fans stand to cheer the players at the end of five hours
Flushing Meadows, the site of the 1964 World’s Fair, still has some of its remaining images intact. The sphere of the world, an amazing site to see in person, is one of my favorites.
Flushing Meadows, New York, the site of the 1964-65 World’s Fair
Flushing Meadows is also the home of the New York Mets playing at the new Citi Field Stadium, right next door to Arthur Ash Stadium, one of the many courts of the U.S. Open.
For sports fans, this is a perfect vacation during early September when the U.S. Open is always in play, along with the New York Mets directly next door neighbors.
You’re a 30-minute, or less, train ride from Flushing Meadow, Queens and into Manhattan where you can enjoy fine dining, site-seeing, theater, film, art, museums, and an abundance of hotels and motels for an overnight stay or an extended weekend.
I can’t think of anyplace better to make fall reservations for next year to be part of U.S. Open fever and “See the Mets” as well as be part of the culture and texture of New York City. It’s a great opportunity to have it all at one time.
Arthur Ash Stadium
As for the next item on my bucket list, the 2016 Summer Olympics. Since that’s four years away, there will be other places in my immediate future. I’ll be sure to keep you posted right here on Striped Pot.
Photos: P Florio
