Hope you don't mind me posting here but I'm looking for some advice and there is no better informed group of bods to ask.
I might be in NY for a few days during the first week of the US Open.
I'll be travelling on my own and I'm a female, ahem, not in the first (or even second) flush of youth.
I'd like to see some tennis but looking at some fan site posts about the US Open it looks a bit hairy for an old dear on her own.
Other people sitting in your numbered seats , talking between points AAARGHHH !!!!I've done Wimby the French, Stella, Eastbourne etc., but I'm not too sure about this one.
I'm a year round follower but just don't want to make the trip to Flushing Meadows and hate it.
I've spent 4 days at the US Open, and think it's great fun. It's certainly nothing like Wimbledon, in that nobody much cares about keeping quiet, and people wander about during points. But you'll soon get the hang of it.
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"Where Ratty leads - the rest soon follow" (Professor Henry Brubaker - The Institute of Studies)
Oh, and I'd avoid Ashe. You'll be a LONG way from the action, because the better seats are all sold on season tickets. And the first week on Ashe tends to be a procession of dismally uncompetitive matches.
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"Where Ratty leads - the rest soon follow" (Professor Henry Brubaker - The Institute of Studies)
I was at the US Open for 4 days in 2008, ( early on in the second week and then semis and finals ) and thoroughly enjoyed it. Also by myself, though I'm a chap. But honestly I can't really see a true tennis fan having anything much at all to worry about and indeed not to enjoy the experience.
I had heard stories about the noise etc, and ended up very pleasantly surprised. I found the spectators actually perfectly respectful and quiet enough when they needed to be. Ironically, I think it's possible the umpires have to resort to more "quiet please"s at Wimbledon.
Re Ashe, I spent most of my spectating time there, generay really well up in the gods, and I haven't the greatest eyesight. Yes, you are far from the action, but for me it wasn't as if I couldn't follow the action easily or indeed be thoroughly engrossed in it. As for most sporting occasions, in my experience, still being there won over TV any time.
So, yes there are undoubtably better show courts ( unless you want to really pay ) for being closer to the action to help enhance the experience, and I also enjoyed being really up close watching some doubles on an outside court. But if there is a particular match or programme that really appeals on Ashe ( and I was able to purchase tickets for both day and night sessions for the early second week day on the day ), I say don't be put off. If there's not much in it, Armstrong yes might be a better bet, especially in that first week when both main courts should have good programmes ( as indeed Grandstand, though I was never there ). Indeed, it is a fair point about possible uncompetitive matches involving the big stars on Ashe.
Was also very easy to get to for me by train from Penn Station in Manhatten, and there is apparently a subway connection as well.
Disclaimer : maybe I was continually just very lucky in who I sat near etc, but I do think you will enjoy it. Go for it !
So pleased you're going for it ! I went twice in the 1990s (so it may well have changed a lot). But I thoroughly enjoyed it.
It's true that it's not 'pseudo refined' in that rather 'chintz curtain/herbaceous border' way that so many LTA events are. But, frankly, that's a compliment. The noise seems to resound a bit more but I had no trouble with noisy neighbours (although lots of hot dog eating from what I remember).
But there's an all-round excitement and genuine enthusiasm which is really fun (especially compared to some of the insipid LTA events).
One of the main problems is that there's a lot of concrete and it can be VERY hot/humid, so take water and don't overdo it. But it's great - enjoy!
If you're going to be around earlier, supposedly one of the best parts of the Open is the qualifying week beforehand - free, not a lot of people, and (as we know) some exciting players/stories to follow.
Decisions, decisions. I am a BIG fan of qualies, you get to see excellent players on their way up (and down) the rankings.
It's also really nice to be in the company of spectators who are there for the tennis not just the hospitality. It makes the between games banter much more informative.
Finances will end up deciding how long and when I can stay, but it's exciting planning it.
