🎾 Tennis - Section¶
Giới Thiệu¶
Tennis - Section — tài liệu 16 trang từ thư viện sách tennis.
Chủ đề chính: Power, Giao bóng
Tóm tắt nội dung (trích từ tài liệu gốc): special advertising section for the New York observer august 27, 2012 Tennis MONEY, POWER AND THE CITY u.s. open special coverage Six-foot-nine-inch ISNER IN John Isner's serve CONTROL is one of his most valuable weapons. Can the No. 10 ranked tennis player answer American hopes for a U.S. Open men's title? By Luke Hammerman and Benjamin-�mile Le Hay RANKED NO. 10 IN THE WORLD and currently the end of the week, he was ranked No. 193 in the world. America's best men's tennis player, John Isner is com- During his first year on the pro tour, he made it into the ing home for the final Grand Slam o
Lưu ý: Nội dung dưới đây được trích xuất tự động từ PDF gốc tiếng Anh, giữ nguyên ngôn ngữ để bảo toàn độ chính xác kỹ thuật.
Nội Dung Gốc (Tiếng Anh)¶
special advertising section for the New York observer august 27, 2012
Tennis MONEY, POWER AND THE CITY
u.s. open special coverage
Six-foot-nine-inch ISNER IN
John Isner's serve CONTROL
is one of his most
valuable weapons. Can the No. 10 ranked tennis player answer
American hopes for a U.S. Open men's title?
By Luke Hammerman and Benjamin-�mile Le Hay
RANKED NO. 10 IN THE WORLD and currently the end of the week, he was ranked No. 193 in the world.
America's best men's tennis player, John Isner is com- During his first year on the pro tour, he made it into the
ing home for the final Grand Slam of 2012. He has had U.S. Open as a qualifier where he made it all the way
a stellar year, having defeated Roger Federer in the to the third round, losing to Rodger Federer. He fin-
Davis Cup and Novak Djokovic in the Masters 1000 ished in 2007 ranked No. 107 with a place on Davis Cup
tournament in Indian Wells. He has shown a cali- team as a practice partner. Even though he moved
ber of play not present in previous years. The into the top 100 at No. 93, Isner lost in the first
six-foot-nine tennis player--a frame which New York round of all of the Grand Slams. The following
made him the second tallest Olympian in Observer year, he switched coaches to work with Craig
~ the 2012 London Games--is bringing every- Tennis Boynton and made his comeback, ending the
Exclusive year ranked No. 39 and earning ATP's Most
thing to his home court. Improved Player Award. It was during 2009
While his game started at the age of nine, that he won against a top-ten-seeded player for
Isner did not receive much attention until his
college years. It wasn't until 2004 as a freshman the first time and also beat Andy Roddick at the
at the University of Georgia that he began playing U.S. Open. The Heineken Open in 2010 was Isner's first
intercollegiate tennis. During his time as a Univer- career win, and he entered the Davis Cup team on the
sity of Georgia Bulldog, he emerged as the universi- doubles team. He finished the year with a world rank-
ty's all-time leader in ing of 18. Moreover, it was in 2010 that he made head-
both singles and dou- lines playing the world's longest match against Nicolas
`I am trying bles victories, which Mahut at Wimbledon. The match spanned three days
led him to receive All- and lasted eleven hours and five minutes.
to be more consistent American honors all With an amazing year behind him, Mr. Isner spoke
and really lean on four years. After lead- with The Observer about the challenges he has faced
ing Georgia to a NCAA competing at Wimbledon, the 2012 Olympics and the
my weapons.' championship in 2007, U.S. Open in such a short space of time. "The biggest
Isner left the college challenge is trying to peak for these three big events,"
heats for the profes- he said. "Most important, I need to take care of my body
sional men's tour. and make sure I am fresh. I hired a physio[therapist]
His start on the pro- earlier this year and that has really helped."
fessional circuits was by no means easy. His world With a strong body and tall frame to back him,
ranking lay at No. 839. Entrance into main draws of Isner has focused on improving certin aspects of
any tournament, regardless of the level, required his game. "I am trying to be more consistent and
him to get a wildcard entry. But even at the bot- really lean on my weapons," he explained in refer-
tom, Isner was quick to rise. His first tourna- ence to his serve and forehand. "I need to play my
ment victory was in the fall of 2007 at the USA strengths," he said. "I also have been working on the
F14 Futures, where he earned wins over the top return of serve quite a bit."
three seeds. Immediately afterwards, Isner Given that hard court is Mr. Isner's best game, we
faced first-round losses in both a Challenger asked him what hurdles he sees forthcoming at this
level and ATP level tournament. He bounced year's Open. "I do not really look at a specific hurdle
back, however, when he won the Lexington necessarily... I know I can do well there, so I just want
Challenger in July of 2008, which shot his to stay focused, stay fresh and do my best," he said.
Stephen Dunn/Getty Images
STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Imagesranking up to No. 416.His confidence of play at the Billie Jean King Cen-
It was at the Legg Mason Tennis Clas- ter derives not only from playing there, but also from
sic in Washington, D.C. that he closed the overall experience. "The U.S. Open for me is like my
in on the top 100. He made it to the Super Bowl," he said. "I love playing in the U.S. with
final, but fell to Andy Roddick. At our rowdy fans... I really thrive in that environment."
Final Act U . S . O P E N players preview
The male and female The Titans of Tennis Battle for Glory
singles players who have
Who has the goods to win
played the most U.S.
Open finals are American By Luke Hammerman, Benjamin-�mile Le Hay and Melissa Wiley
Bill Tilden (1918-25,
`27, `29) and Norwegian
Molla B. Mallory
(1915-18, `20-24, `26).
THE 2012 GRAND SLAM CIRCUIT to him pull out of the Olympics
and last week the Open --he's
it's an ace! is coming to a close with the U.S. out of their way. Murray will look
Open at Flushing Meadows about redeem himself after his loss in the
Wimbledon final against Federer.
The top five men and women to begin. However, the competitive- (Murray's Olympic win goes a
ness of the 2012 season is nowhere long way towards achieving that
redemption.)
singles players with the most aces near ending. It is the last chance
In women's tennis, Serena
at the 2011 U.S. Open. for many to move up in ranking Williams is the best bet for hard
and close out the season on a courts as she has time and again
proven that hard courts are her
high note. In the world of hard preference with the majority of
her Grand Slam success coming
Men court tennis, Roger Federer from the Australian Open. Victoria
Azarenka will certainly present
John Isner, U.S., 94 has been doing superbly challenges to Williams' quest, as
winning three of his five will defending champion Samantha
Stosur. The same goes for dou-
Gilles M�ller, Luxembourg, 76 titles this year on hard bles teams Liezal Huber and Lisa
Ivo Karlovi, Croatia, 74 � Andy Roddick, U.S., 72 courts. He holds a solid Raymond and J�rgen Melzer and
lead on hard courts over Philipp Petzschner, who were last
year's doubles winners. With many
Andy Murray, Great Britain, 59 Serbia's Novak Djokovic players coming in hot from the
with over 23 wins on the Olympic Games and U.S. Open series
tournaments, there will be plenty
Women surface this year. Yet, as of opportunity for players to make Kjokovic was last year's men's
the current champion at the impressive last minute changes to singles winner at the U.S. Open.
their 2012 records. The top players
Serena Williams, U.S., 57 Open, the Serb is going to in men's, women's and doubles ten- Men's Draw
Julia G�rges, Germany, 19 be looking for a win and the nis all have the skills to win. What
chance to reclaim the No. 1 it comes down to is who is the most Novak Djokovic, Serbia
aggressive and self-assured.
Coco Vandeweghe, U.S., 17 world ranking. Of course, after Despite being one of the best on hard
Flavia Pennetta, Italy, 17 both suffered Olympic losses courts in the men's game, Djokovic
to gold medalist Andy Murray, only has one Open title under his
belt. That said, with a strong offen-
Svetlana Kuznetsova, Russia, 16 predictions for Open champions sive game and well-rounded defen-
will run the gamut. Yet that was on
Continued on page C2
the grass of Wimbledon --a totally
different surface game. Federer
and Djokovic's biggest competi-
tion at the Open may have been
information compiled sOURCE: USTA Spain's Rafael Nadal, but with
by benjamin-�mile le hay Nadal's recent injury, which lead
Inside
THE FUTURE rising stars GEAR UP!
OF TENNIS
A NEW CROP OF SOPHISTICATED
IT'S AMERICA'S YOUNGSTERS ARE AND INNOVATIVE
FASTEST GROWING OUT TO DOMINATE PRODUCTS ON THE
SPORT THE GAME MARKET NOW
page C4 page C10 page C14
special advertising section for the New York observer
U . S . O P E N players preview
Continued from page C1
sive moves and counter-punching moments, his
matches are often lengthy and come down to
endurance and control of rally. Stronger points
of his leveled game are his return of serve and
swift movement around the court. The play-
er with the most rivalries, his matches will at-
tract plenty of attention. With an amazing 2011
record--winning three of the Grand Slams--a
lot is expected of the Serb. Djokovic also has the
chance to reclaim his No. 1 ranking, which he lost
at Wimbledon.
Roger Federer, Switzerland
Back at the No. 1 ranking, Federer has the most
to gain if he wins this U.S. Open. It would be his
sixth Open title, surpassing both Pete Sampras
and Jimmy Connors. Federer has just recent-
ly broken Sampras' record of most weeks at No.
1 in Association of Tennis Professionals World
Tour rankings at 287 weeks. His most obvious
strength is his serve, arguably the best in the
game. Though it would not hurt him to attack his
serve more, especially his second serve. A base-
line player with grace and confidence, he stands
against defending champion Djokovic. He main-
tains a balanced game with the only debatable
weakness being his backhand, although this has
vastly improved over the years.
Roger Federer Samantha Stosur David Ferrer, Spain
David Ferrer
bonus ATP's No. 5 player has one
Andy Murray
John Isner The 2012 U.S. Open of the most determined
prize winnings have increased games. Ferrer does not give
up. While he plays best on
significantly with single's clay, Ferrer excels on hard
winners earning $1.9m for surfaces, often making
it to the semi-finals of
their victories. The rest: hard court Grand Slams.
$950,000 for finalists/ His pugnacious attitude
runners-up, $475,000 for and agile movement
keep him in the game. His
consistent baseline play
semifinalists and $237,500 does not have the power
for quarterfinalists. of his top competitors, and
his net play is not the stron-
gest, which may present prob-
sOURCE: USTA lems against competitors such as
Nadal and Murray. His returns, how-
ever, are strong and his games are al-
ways a treat for tennis fans to watch.
Novak Djokovic Andy Murray, Great Britain
The defensive counter-puncher of the top five
holds onto an extremely strong defensive game
which helped him to confidently win the 2012
Olympic gold medal, beating first Djokovic, and
then Federer in a three-set final. His perfor-
mance at Wimbledon with an upsetting loss in
the finals may have caused him to fight hard-
er. Murray's fast and tactical playing style are
rewarded on the hard courts. If Murray were
to stop continuously waiting for an unforced
error and make more aggressive passes when
they counted most, we may see him go far at the
Open. His ability to return nearly any serve and
his solid two-handed backhand make us certain
that we'll see him in the semi-finals.
Rafael Nadal, Spain
The No. 3 ranked Spaniard has had an interest-
ing year and unfortunately withdrew from the
2012 U.S. Open. His performance at Wimbledon
was disappointing, having lost in the 2nd round
to 100th ranked Lukas Rosol of Czech Republic.
(It is considered by many to be one of the biggest
upsets in Wimbledon history). Nadal's game is
heavy. His ground strokes and serve and vol-
ley techniques have all improved this year, and
make his game a difficult one to break once he is
in the zone. However, he has been bothered this
year with tendonitis in the knee, which caused
him to also withdraw from the 2012 Olympic
Games. We look forward to Nadal's speedy and
healthy recovery and return to the tour. Perhaps
Argentina's Juan Martin Del Potro will make up
for the lost on-court flair.
Maria Sharapova Other Men's Players
to WATCH:
Jo-Wilfred Tsonga Andy Roddick
Juan Martin Del Potro,
Argentina
John Isner, United States
Andy Roddick, United States
Jo-Wilfred Tsonga, France
Victoria Azarenka Women's Draw
Agnieszka Radwanska Victoria Azarenka, Belarus
Juan Martin Del Potro getty images Probably the best baseline hard court player in
the Women's Tennis Association, Azarenka has
C 2|August 27, 2012|The New York Observer Tennis won nine of her ten career titles on hard courts.
Her shouts and shrieks accompany the ferocity
of her groundstroke's and her two-handed back-
hand is arguably one of the tour's strongest. Hav-
ing recently reclaimed the No. 1 ranking in the
world after beating Maria Sharapova at Wim-
bledon, combined with losing against Serena
Williams, has cast her in an unsure light. How-
ever, with her successful track record on hard
courts and a strong offensive game, she may be
able to snag her second Grand Slam title.
Agnieszka Radwanska, Poland
The world's No. 3 has agility, flexibility and a
varied arsenal of shots. With no Grand Slam
victories under Radwanska's belt and her best
play coming on grass, it is hard to favor her on
the hard courts of Billie Jean King Tennis Cen-
ter. A defensive player, she understands how
to use the court with disguised drop shots and
multiple angles that keep her opponents run-
ning. Her second serve is notably shaky. With no
real weaknesses, and no outstanding strengths,
her ability to draw matches out continually
lands her in quarter-finals.
Maria Sharapova, Russia
The statuesque Russian's aggressive and com-
petitive style, combined with an intense amount
of power behind her ground strokes and serve,
special advertising section for the New York observer
U . S . O P E N players preview
are all well suited for the hard court grand slam. Venus Williams Svetlana Kuznetsova great net play and Stp�nek provides a reli-
With the majority of her wins on hard courts, it able return game. The Indian-Czech team has
was surprising to see her leave Wimbledon so been at home on hard courts, winning all of
early in the fourth round, when she lost to Sabine their career matches this year on the surface.
Lisicki. She did regain credit with a phenomenal With Stp�nek's aggression and Leander's
road to the finals at the Olympics, before she lost passion and intensity, these two consistently
brutally in straight sets to Serena Williams. With play engaging matches for tennis fans.
an old shoulder injury always a factor, Sharapo-
va's biggest challenge and weakness is her confi- Nenad Zimonji and Micha�l
dence and maintaining a focused attack. Llodra, Serbia and France
Serena Williams, United States Even though these two have no Grand Slam
wins under their belt since joining as a team
American's best (read only) shot at having one last year, they are still considered a competi-
of their own win on U.S soil, Williams with her tive force and may be due for a U.S. Open title.
29 Grand Slam titles make her a likely finalist for Zimonji, when he was partners with No. 1
the U.S. Open this year. Her victories at Wimble- ranked Daniel Nestor, won three Grand Slams:
don and the 2012 Olympic Games, where she won twice at Wimbledon and once at Roland Garros.
gold in doubles with sister Venus, stand as proof Llodra also holds three Grand Slams: twice at
that her game doesn't get much better than right the Australian Open and once at Wimbledon.
now. Possessing one of, if not the most, power- Neither however, has made it to the U.S. Open
ful baseline games in women's tennis, Williams finals. Their powerful game is reliant upon
takes control of the court and rallies consis- control of the court and it may just take them
tently. Her serve rivals those on the men's tour. there this year.
Williams' biggest challenge will most likely be
Azarenka, as both will fight for control of points. Caroline Wozniacki Petra Kvitov�
The victory may come down to who hits harder Serena Williams
and faster (if they face each other).
Yaroslava Shvedova
Samantha Stosur, Australia and Vania King
The Aussie is the defending champion at the
U.S. Open and, with a killer serve and consistent
backhand, will be under pressure to maintain
her standing as champion on the hard court. Her
weakness in the past has been playing pressure
points. In recent years she has made massive im-
provements in this area. Her biggest opponents
will be Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova,
who will look to reclaim the title.
Other Women's
Players to WATCH:
Svetlana Kuznetsova, Russia
Petra Kvitov�, Czech Republic
Venus Williams, United States
Caroline Wozniacki, Denmark
Radek Stp�nek and Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci
Leander Paes
Max Mirnyi and Daniel Nestor Women's Doubles
Draw
Men's Doubles getty images Bob and Mike Bryan won Kvta Peschke and
Draw doubles gold in London Katarina Srebotnik Sara Errani and
Nenad Zimonjic and Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond Roberta Vinci, Italy
Bob and Mike Bryan, Michael Llodra
United States The Italian pair has been a dominating force
in doubles (and singles) this year, winning the
Always a favorite for U.S. Open crowds, the French Open, making it to the Australian fi-
Bryan twins are without a doubt looking to re- nals and quarter-final at Wimbledon. They
gain their ranking of No. 1 in doubles, which they captured seven titles in the first six months
recently lost to Max Mirnyi and Daniel Nestor. of the 2012 season. With a current record of
Hot from winning Olympic gold in London, the 43-5, the ladies were only broken in the Grand
dynamic duo is known for aggressive court play, Slams. Their record has been most impressive
extreme prowess, tall stature and one-handed on clay, but with a career record of 46-23 on
back hands. The lefty-righty pair last won the hard, the Open may be their time to shine.
Open back in 2010 and is America's best chance
at a men's doubles win. Liezal Huber
and Lisa Raymond,
Max Mirnyi and United States
Daniel Nestor,
Belarus and Canada Liezal Huber and Lisa Raymond have enjoyed
a great year with a record of 37-11. As a team,
This decorated team has been a formidable the majority of their career wins have been on
agent of change in the doubles rankings this hard court (45-8), which makes sense given
year. Ranked No. 1, at 39, Nestor is the oldest that they are the defending champions at the
player to hold a top ranking in doubles. The duo, U.S. Open for women's doubles. The team, cur-
which formed back in 2011, won the Roland Gar- rently ranked No. 1 by the WTA, has impressive
ros the same year. The lefty-righty pair is known net play and a generally masterful strategy.
for Mirnyi's fierce serve and aggressive play, Given that they are both over 36-years-old,
which earned him the nickname "the beast," and fatigue could factor into their play and, if it
Nestor's masterful touch and net play. Mirnyi does, a couple of power hitters could overtake
captured a mixed-doubles gold with teammate these two strongholds.
Victoria Azarenka. Nestor, who holds a record of
over 800 doubles wins, is considered by many to Kvta Peschke
be the best doubles player in the world. and Katarina Srebotnik,
Czech Republic and Slovenia
Leander Paes and Radek
Stp�nek, India and Peschke and Srebotnik finished in 2011 as the
Czech Republic No. 1 doubles team, punctuating an excellent
year with six titles, including their first Grand
Indian player Leander Paes started the year Slam win at Wimbledon. That same year, they
off on a high note, winning the Australian were named WTA Doubles Team of the Year.
doubles and completing his first career Grand While they have not had any Grand Slam wins
Slam. Paes provides fierce competition with this year, and their only win was at Sydney,
they are still strong competition. With 67 ca-
reer wins on hard court, the Open is beyond a
doubt their most comfortable turf.
Yaroslava Shvedova
and Vania King, Kazakhstan
and United States
Shvedova and King may come as a surprise,
considering their short time together. Start-
ing in 2010, they won the women's doubles at
Wimbledon in what was only their third event
together and followed up that win with anoth-
er at the U.S. Open in 2011. With the majority
of their career wins on hard surfaces (35-15)
and a previous win at Flushing Meadows, the
two could cause an upset at the 2012 Open.
The New York Observer Tennis|August 27, 2012 |C 3
s p e c i a l a dv e r t i s i ng s e c t i o n f o r t h e N e w Yo r k o b s e r v e r
U . S . O P E N where tennis is going
A GAME OF LIKES, NOT OF LOVE
The social media Clockwise
revolution steps from top: A
up to promote and glimpse at the
publicize the game social media
pages of Maria
By Andrew Fried Sharapova,
John Isner and
Roger Federer.
ON MAY 21, I SAT IN MY OFFICE this, allowing for live results to be or stadiums, interact with other fans she often tweets multiple times a ers can use the same approach as the
dreaming of the good old days as a col- day, many of her tweets relate to her businesses we help with social media--
lege tennis player as I anxiously awaited broadcasted instantly to millions. and unlock rewards. According to the matches (consider her tweet on July 7 that is, to strike a balance between per-
the next update from @PolarBearTen- immediately after winning her fifth sonal posts and sponsored material on
nis to see how my alma mater was doing Event organizers, mindful of tennis' USTA, the U.S. Open is "the most glob- Wimbledon title: "Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaa their feeds. Roger Federer and Maria
in the quarterfinals of Division III Na- aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa" or Sharapova, two of the sport's chief am-
tionals. Game by game, the results came long tradition, were initially hesitant ally comprehensive event activation on after winning Olympic Gold in August: bassadors, have mastered social media.
in via Twitter, and a group of fellow "Gold Medal!!! I can't believe it. I got
washed-up tennis alums tweeted each to adopt social media, but fan demand Foursquare ever." the singles gold!!!!!! I'm gonna sleep in Today, Federer has over 11 million
other sitting by our computers until the it tonight!"). Others related to the nor- fans on Facebook, while Sharapova has
dreaded tweet came: "This caps a great forced them to change their approach. mal goings of her daily life such as "I'm 7.5 million, the most of any female ath-
season for Bowdoin Tennis." Though I Wimbledon organizers shunned All Access Pass cold..." to "Goodnight." Though casual lete in any sport. Both athletes have
was just getting the scores from Twit- observers may scoff at more mundane recent postings highlighting commer-
ter, I still could feel the blow of defeat. Twitter in 2011, but they significant- tweets, loyal fans are grateful for 24/7 cials they've filmed, but their feeds
access to her daily life. provide plenty of the personal touch-
Days later, @MicaelaBryan, the six- ly ramped up their presence in 2012, Some professionals are just as ac- es which tend to receive more engage-
month-old daughter of American dou- Americans Mardy Fish and John ment from fans.
bles specialist Bob Bryan, tweeted sending out 8,200 tweets over the 14- tive as the tournament hosts, which Isner are also active. Both players not
her best "game face" wearing a Stan- only take the time to respond to indi- Roger Federer often posts video mes-
ford Tennis shirt. Usually pictured in day event for an average of 585 tweets gives these players (and their spon- vidual fans' questions and comments, sages prior to major tournaments and
the arms of her "uncles" Roger, Novak they also provide colorful insights into used Facebook to give the world its first
and Rafa, among others, Micaela Bry- per day. These tweets not only provid- sors) access to thousands of fans. We've their lives off the court. Fish, for exam- glimpse of his twin girls. The first pic-
an's tweets have gone viral. They usu- ple, uploaded a picture with NBA super- ture of his wife Mirka and twins Char-
ally include a thought bubble allowing ed live scoring and weather updates, watched athlete Twitter feeds exponen- star Dirk Nowitzki and wrote, "Look lene and Myla received significantly
Bob Bryan's sense of humor to shine who showed up at my practice today in more "likes" than any of his posts en-
through. The toddler has been pictured but also included up- tially multiply and Dallas. Easily the biggest serve from a dorsing Nike, Gillette, Rolex, Wilson or
with over 70 tennis personalities, and non-pro I've ever seen." When fellow Mercedes Benz products.
her tweets have become a hit among fans loaded pictures and today's sports su- pro James Blake filled his car up with
and the professional tennis community. thousands of styrofoam pieces, Isner Maria Sharapova also has a well-bal-
While social media has increased fans' retweets from pro- `Gold Medal!!! perstars have shown took to Twitter and asked fans for sug- anced presence. She not only highlights
access to all sports, social media and fessionals and fans. several distinct ap- gestions on how to get Blake back. recent promotions with Tag Heuer,
tennis in particular have been a perfect Some athletes prefer to keep their so- Evian and Nike, but has also posted
match. Wimbledon's Twit- I can't believe it. I got proaches to their so- cial media up-to-date, but don't want pictures of her riding on a bus prior to
ter handle has con- cial media presence. to do it themselves, frequently handing Wimbledon and walking around Cen-
Conventional media has faced sever- feeds over to agents to manage. Even tral Park in New York.
al challenges in presenting the compre- tinued to keep fans the singles gold!!!!!! Compared to tra- to the casual observer, it's clear which
hensive, all-access tennis coverage that players want to actively engage with Sharapova is adept at making her
fans crave: updated through the I'm gonna sleep in it ditional media, Fa- users and fans through social media. commercials seem less corporate on
Olympics, also held at cebook and Twitter Facebook, offering "sneak peaks" and
Tennis is about individuals. It's hard The athletes who have had the most exclusive content instead of explicit
to get to know individuals when they're the All England Club. tonight!' have allowed pro- success on the court generally have the promotions. She often posts pictures
grunting on the court. For those of us who fessionals to up- largest followings off the court. Play- of her "photo shoots," appealing to fans
on a human level. Most of Sharapova's
Tennis coverage is often sub-par. didn't make it to the Serena Williams' tweet date their fans with posts cast her in a rather normal light,
With tournaments spread across time grounds for straw- after winning the Oympic spontaneous and rather than as the global tennis sensa-
zones and spanning weeks, social media berries and cream less filtered content. tion she is.
opens doors. the day of the men's gold medal in London Compared to other
Players are not the only ones using
Tennis coverage has always come final (you made me athletes, who often social media to interact with fans. Ana-
from the commentators. We hear from lysts like Patrick McEnroe, Brad Gilbert
the McEnroes and Brad Gilbert about a fan, Murray), Wim- have team personnel and Jimmy Connors have used Twit-
what's hot and what's not. While fans ter to provide their insight to fans off-
have things to share too, they have his- bledon updated its carefully monitor- air. Twitter has also been used during
torically done it on the sidelines or in broadcasts by shows, allowing fans to
their living rooms. cover photo nine times that day. ing their tweets (franchise owners, you ask questions of players.
Game, set and match The U.S. Open is also on their A- know who you are), ATP and WTA pro- Lastly, social media has also been
for social media... integrated into traditional forms of
game with social media. You can now fessionals' content is generally uncen- media. During coverage of Wimble-
Social media has strengthened ten- don, the Tennis Channel, NBC and
nis by promoting events, brands and follow posts on Facebook for behind- sored. This allows fans an honest and ESPN all featured players' tweets
players. It has also created a stronger during their broadcast and devoted a
community between experts, players the-scenes content, become a follower candid portrayal of the lives of these great deal of content to tennis-related
and, most importantly, fans to share tweets on their websites. Coupled with
information and connect people across on Twitter for live updates and tweets stars. traditional broadcasting, social media
the sport. has truly given fans an all-access pass
from players, check out videos on You- Serena Williams, who has over to the lives of tour players.
Media platforms such as Facebook,
Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest have Tube of highlights and previews, or use 10,000 tweets to her name, should be As the U.S. Open begins, we can count
created a constant flow of information on the fact that the high energy buzz
both from official outlets like televi- Foursquare to check into certain courts crowned the Queen of Twitter. While about the game will not only be evident
sion networks and event organizers as at Flushing Meadows, but on computers
well as from the casual fan watching the across the globe.
match live. Traditionally, results were
not available until after the match was --Andrew Fried, is a co-founder of
completed. Social media has changed Spark Growth Partners (www.spark-
growthpartners.com),
a New York City-based digital and so-
cial media strategy firm.
How Tennis Fares Stateside court lifting the trophy in re-
cent years?
Where the American game is going
"Just as important as the
By Jack Mcilroy and Melissa Wiley Open is the role of the Center
all year round," Dan Zausner,
CATCH THE 7 TRAIN from kids to grow up to be lawyers or and the Boston Lobsters. The USTA Managing Director at Nick Laham/Getty Images
Times Square to Queens, jump doctors whereas a decade or so main showpiece was a men's the Billie Jean King Center in-
off at Mets- Willets Point and ago a sports career would have singles match featuring Mr. John McEnroe high-fives several young players at SPORTIME. formed us. "Tennis is the fast-
you are greeted with a dilem- been encouraged much more," McEnroe himself and Andre est growing recreational sport
ma: To turn left for Mets Base- Ms. Hartman reasoned. "We Agassi. If Randall's Island is now 23,000-capacity Arthur Ashe for people to play in America.
ball or right for the United also find ourselves in a video the place that young gifted Stadium for a tour of the com- It is also arguably the cheap-
States National Tennis Center. game culture." By that logic, "Tennis was a growing sport New Yorkers come to blossom plex. It quickly became appar- est and easiest to access. Just
The Observer paused at the sign more people in New York will be when I came in," Mr. McEnroe and be nurtured, then what is ent that our assumption about as it is important for our men
and contemplated; what would playing the inevitable U.S. Open told us at a press conference be- the U.S. Open? The promised the current popularity of ten- and women to be competing
the majority of New Yorkers EA Sports Playstation game fore the match. "I'm proud to be land? nis might have been wrong. and winning at the highest lev-
pick, left or right? We conced- come August 24 than watching a part of the era that I was, as is els, it is equally important that
ed that in the modern day, the the actual live events unfold at Andre, I'm sure. But it's a differ- "It's way better than the "Seven hundred thousand we inspire the general public to
likelihood was that New York's Flushing Meadows. ent sport now" other slams. Way better!" pro- people come to the Open every play." Mr. Zausner noted that
second most famous baseball claimed Mr. McEnroe, whose year; it is the highest attended the most unique aspect of this
stadium would probably at- "It does get busier here when "It's a much more demand- face suggested a bit of bias or annual sporting event in the center is that it is public. "An
tract more attention than the the Open is on. Everyone comes ing sport," Mr. Agassi echoed. sarcasm. "Wimbledon was a world," said Communications estimat[ed] fifty percent of our
country's largest tennis center. down and tries to be Nadal; it's a "Players now are capable of special place when I was grow- Director Chris Widmaier, mak- amateurs are from Queens and
Why? special time for New York." But pulling off shots John and I ing up. There's just something ing us eat our words almost eighty percent from New York,"
will John Isner, Andy Roddick, could only dream of, and what special about it." immediately. "The site itself is he said. "People from all age
Lauren Hartman, who runs Mardy Fish or any other Amer- with the technology advancing open 11 months a year and in groups come all year round to
Advantage Tennis Clubs in East ican man be lifting the trophy every day, it's very different for From a proud New Yorker that time, we have over 10,000 play and sure, at half time of the
Bronx, a company in partner- this year? We were answered the kids today than it was for those words don't bring prom- amateurs come to play." Superbowl a handful of people
ship with New York Tennis Club, with a laugh before we finished us." ise to the ears of Americans might go outside and throw a
told us that at this club the older asking the question. praying for an American win- Mr. Widmaier went on to ex- football around, but after com-
clientele are definitely her best Can one of these young Amer- ner this year. plain that a special Ten and ing to the Open people will visit
customers. "No. Maybe one of these kids icans break through? Who bet- Under program is used to build for the next 12 months, inspired
will do one day," said Ms. Hart- ter to ask than the man who had Mr. Agassi concurred, "New "a national infrastructure to by what they experienced."
"It's like a country club here, man. "The quick start program helped to coach the likes of Ryan York is one of the great sporting help build future champions."
removed and calm, but with being developed by the USTA Harrison and whose center was places and has some of the best According to Mr. Widmaier, in A survey by the Sporting
great access to the city, which is and everything going on at Ran- dedicated to doing just that? sporting fans. Players lucky the past five years they have Goods Manufacturer Associ-
why I think it attracts the older dall's Island is promising, but enough to have a Slam in their refurbished over 8,000 courts ation supports that tennis is
members," she said. "Tennis no, not any time soon." "It's very difficult to say," re- own country will always lean across the country. "Just like indeed the fastest growing rec-
has turned into a luxury sport plied Mr. McEnroe. "These guys towards that one. But there is Little League, our program reational sport in America and
and certainly takes a back seat In 2010, John McEnroe estab- have to find their own identi- something about Wimbledon, is scaled down for the kids so it seems that The U.S. Open is
to the likes of football and base- lished the SPORTIME Tennis ties, their own personalities." and now, with the Olympics you can get 16 kids playing on a indeed a major national event
ball these days. I had a poster of Center and Academy on Ran- We considered if Mr. McEn- being there, it adds something two-court space." and tennis seems to be one the
Andre Agassi on my wall grow- dall's Island with three inten- roe himself had been given the even more special." favorite national sports, more
ing up, but I'd bet that hard- tions: To develop world-class same advice at some point and So why, with everything we accessible and more played
ly any kids have tennis idols, players, excite New Yorkers, es- if the person responsible had One week later The Observ- have seen and heard, hasn't an than any other. A statue with-
which is shame because, in New pecially kids, about the game of known what they were about to er took a right turn in Flush- American man stood on this in the grounds shows an elder-
York City, it's so accessible." tennis and provide opportuni- unleash onto the world of ten- ing and walked over to the ly man flanked by two children
ties to motivated and deserving nis. "You have to nurture these all holding rackets. It is called
Ms. Hartman winced as we NYC area kids. kids suited to their style, emo- "Inspiration," and that is cer-
reminded her that an American tionally as well as their tech- tainly what Flushing Meadows
man hadn't won a Grand Slam On the night The Observer nique," he said. "It's all about has in abundance. Inspiration
for the past 35 tournaments. visited, Sportime was hosting the heart. I can't say that these is the base for success. Perhaps
"These days, education is the a World Tennis Team (a league guys will be top five players. as some of the United State's
main focus. Parents want their co-founded by Billie Jean King) Top twenty/forty for sure, but I best tennis players arrive at
match between the Sportimes don't know about top five," Billie Jean King Center this
week, they will be inspired by
the atmosphere to win .
C 4|August 27, 2012|The New York Observer Tennis
LOVE IS
AUGUST 27 � SEPTEMBER 9
TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE
DON'T MISS OUT ON ANY OF THESE GREAT SESSIONS!*
OPENING DAY MEN'S QUARTERFINALS WOMEN'S FINAL
AUGUST 27 SEPTEMBER 5 & 6 SEPTEMBER 8
USOPEN.ORG / 1-866-OPEN-TIX
facebook.com/usopentennis @usopen #usopen
*Ticket availability subject to change. Past participants shown.
Match schedule subject to change. �2012 USTA. Photos � Getty Images.
Tennis The New York Observer|August 27, 2012 |C 5
special advertising section for the N ew York observer
U . S . O P E N for the love of the game
ChaseThat Over 500 people weather and the tedious evaluations of How do the ballpeople interact photo courtesy staff, United States Tennis Association
Ball! auditioned for the 2012 nearly 500 hopefuls. You want to give with the players? Is there any
US Open Ballperson everyone the best chance to do well. communicating off the court?
A closer look at the tryouts held in June.
U.S. Open ballperson Who are the involved parties that Interaction with the pros is purely
ensure it is all successfully run? professional. We help them be the
selection process best that they can be by helping the
A solid corps of dedicated U.S. match move along efficiently. We're
By Benjamin-�mile Le Hay Open ballperson veteran staff and there to cater to their needs and
supervisors who truly care about otherwise become invisible.
On Thursday, June 21, The Observer balls as efficiently as possible. The What is the biggest challenge of the quality of the rookies who are
trekked out to the USTA Billie Jean Observer caught up with Tina Taps, staging the auditions? brought onto the team. Their success How do your tryouts differ from
King National Tennis Center to partake U.S. Open Ballperson Director, once becomes the team's ultimate success. Wimbledon or Roland Garros?
in the 2012 U.S. Open Ballperson the tryouts concluded to find out more It's actually a good thing. The Additionally, usopen.org and our
Tryouts. Ralph Lauren outfitted us in about the massive undertaking. USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis media personnel assist us in getting We're focused on being the best
official ballperson gear and sprinted Center is open to the public as a year the word out about the greatest job in that we can be in the U.S. Not sure
through the entire tryout process in How has the program developed round tennis facility. As such, we host the world. what they do at the other Slams.
what seemed like 100 degree weather. over the years? a full spectrum of tennis programs
Afterwards, around 500 people (from for all ages. During the tryouts we're Any major dramas or scandals? Are
age 14-50) seriously competed for Through social media and the also running a highly successful people hyper-competitive? What's your favorite part about
roughly 80 sought-after positions-- internet, we can promote the tryout junior tennis camp. We need to the ballperson tryouts?
running, throwing and catching tennis opportunity to more athletes in more share resources � staffing, courts, No issues here: it's a great team. The electricity of the crowd of
communities. etc. Additional challenges are the They all support one another and eager prospective ballpersons!
challenge each other to be the
best that they can be.
keep it green
In 2008, the USTA joined
forces with organizations such as
environmental consultant eco evolutions,
Get a Grip on the llc, the Natural Resources Defense Council
and GreenSlam to develop ways to make the U.S.
Tennis Capital of the World Open more sustainable and eco-friendly. Just last
year, around 94 tons of recyclable paper,
By Melissa Wiley plastic and glass were collected. The U.S. Open and its
organizers also converted a reported 985 gallons of
food grease into biodiesel fuel and donated some
HOME OF THE U.S. OPEN, New York City is Jerry Elman, Club Manager of Sutton East Ten- 20,000 pounds of unused food to underserved
a tennis Mecca. "The world comes to us," said nis Club, said, "Tennis in Manhattan [overseeing and hungry members of the surrounding community.
Woody Schneider, owner of Grand Central Rac- Sutton East, Vanderbilt and Yorkville] is to New
quet. "It's like what's happening in London right York tennis players as Peter Luger's is to New Food that did go to waste (around 50 tons)
now, except we get it every year." And the many York steak lovers." The Observer agrees with was composted for farming and landscaping.
clubs and tennis shops are the cornerstones of Jerry Elman of Sutton East Tennis Club that ten-
this tennis capital. Sportime Randall's Island nis is the "sport of a lifetime" and that the world The USTA also stated that some 70,000
Center Director Zef Lekaj mused: "Sportime of New York City tennis has something for ev- tennis balls used during the Open
Randall's Island Center is to New York Tennis as eryone. Here are some of our favorite haunts for and in practice were reused for its
the Williams sisters are to the game of tennis." your recreational and competitive needs: programming or other national
tennis organizations.
TENNIS SHOPS sells racket products, apparel and league, parties and tournaments.
GRAND CENTRAL RACQUET shoes as well as jewelry and kid's On the premises, setting it 718.760.6200 Mason's Tennis Mart is one sOURCE: USTA
www.grandcentralracquet.com wear. In the apparel department, apart from other clubs, are a Indoor/Outdoor; Year-Round of the city's best outposts
341 Madison Avenue Mason's sells Gigi Activewear, glass-enclosed swimming pool, DecoTurf; Clay for all things tennis. WSTC also boasts an Olympic-
212.292.8851 Lija, FILA, Polo, Sergio Tacchini, sundeck and sauna. Members Opens to members and style pool and a Tudor-style
Fred Perry, Nike and Adidas. receive full membership to the nonmembers variety of lessons and programs clubhouse.
Grand Central Terminal Manhattan Plaza Health Club. in partnership with Gotham
(Between Tracks 38 and 39) RP NY Tennis MPRC also has a pro shop and USTA is perhaps the epicenter Tennis Academy for juniors and Yorkville Tennis Center
212.856.9647 228 East 51st Street stringing services in addition to of American tennis as host of adults. STC offers unlimited www.yorkvilletennisclub.com
212.980.1555 indoor parking. the U.S. Open. Its 30 outdoor play memberships as well as 89th and York Avenue; 1725
Grand Central Racquet and 12 indoor courts, including seasonal court rentals, game York Avenue #3G
doesn't discriminate among RP NY Tennis at CityView Midtown Tennis Club four climate-controlled clay arranging, tournaments, adult 212.987.0301
racket sports; it has supplies for Racquet Club www.midtowntennis.com courts, are available to the leagues and private lessons. Indoor; Year-round
everything tennis � including 43-34 32nd Place 341 8th Avenue public. USTA offers specialized Parking is free and on-site Hard courts
platform tennis, table tennis and 718.389.6252 212.989.8572 lessons and programs for all at Yankee Stadium, and a Non-membership
frescobol. Indoor; Year-round ages and abilities, including clubhouse, featuring lockers, a
RPNY's claim: "Anything that Har-Tru Cardio Tennis, and even has caf�, pro shop and lounges, is Located inside a doorman
We spoke with Woody can be done to a racket can de Non-membership special courts, titled the "Quick under development. residential building, Yorkville
Schneider, owner of Grand done here." Services include start deck zone," for players ten Tennis Center is a hidden gem on
Central Racquet about brands everything from pick-up and Midtown Tennis Club's has and under. USTA is home to the Vanderbilt Tennis Club the Upper East Side. With two
and products on the market. delivery, stringing, gripping, eight indoor courts, four of NTC Pro Shop, opened by Grand www.vanderbilttennisclub.com championship courts and great
Right now, he said, Babolat is customization and consultation, which look out at the Empire Central Racquet. 82 East 42nd Street; Above lighting, it is smaller than Sutton
the tennis retail "phenom." Its to a ship-and-string service for State Building. Midtown Tennis Grand Central East and, like Vanderbilt, has
characteristic? Extraordinary. the continental U.S. recently introduced a bubble, New York Tennis Club 212.599.6500 more of a luxury atmosphere. The
Babolat's most popular racket and offers a variety of tennis www.newyorktennisclub.com Indoor; Year-round club has fully-equipped lockers,
models are the Aero Prodrive OUR BROOKLYN programs as well as private 3081 Harding Avenue, Bronx DecoTurf and its pro shop offers stringing
and the Puredrive. In the shoe FAVORITES and group lessons. Its pro shop 718.239.7919 Non-membership services.
department, Nike and Adidas' offers stringing services. The Summer; Winter
Barricade 7s are the standout Tennis Boom (DBA Bay Sports) club is also available for private Har-Tru Vanderbilt Tennis Club is a OUR FAVORITE PUBLIC
favorites. The Barricade 7s are www.tennisboom.com or corporate tennis parties and Membership non-membership club located PARK COURTS
so popular that Novak Djokovic, 1732 Sheepshead Bay Road, tournaments. above Grand Central with a
though sponsored by Uniqlo, Brooklyn New York Tennis Club DecoTurf championship hard The NYC Parks season runs
chooses to wear them. 718.646.5668 Sutton East Tennis Club has existed since 1898 and court. When rain graces Flushing from the first week in April until
www.suttoneasttennis.com is a little unknown gem. Six Meadows, U.S. Open players the Sunday before Thanksgiving.
Creative shock absorbers Tennis Unlimited 488 East 60th Street gorgeously maintained courts often flock to Vanderbilt. The
and tennis grips in every color 9000 Bay Parkway, Brooklyn Just under Queensboro Bridge and a charming old house in a iconic windows provide stunning PROSPECT PARK
of the rainbow aside, we are 718.266.3610 Indoor; September-June quiet setting with shady trees views of bustling midtown. The www.prospectpark.org/tennis
particularly excited about one Red clay give New York Tennis Club its club also boasts a fitness center, 50 Parkside Avenue, Brooklyn
product sold at Grand Central GENERAL SPORTS Non-membership character. The caretakers and a small/private gym and personal 718.436.2500
Racquet's Pro Shop. Resembling STORES chef live on-site. NYTC's beautiful training services. Vanderbilt Year-round
a strand of pearls, this product Sutton East has been grounds are perfect for lunch, Tennis is smaller than Sutton Indoor/Outdoor; Year-round
is filled with water and can be City Sports called the "miracle under the spectatorship, reading and the East, and while also for families, it Clay; Har-Tru
frozen for wear in the too-often www.citysports.com bridge." Open mid-September occasional scrabble game. Some has more of a luxury feel.
unbearably hot stands. Mark our 390 5th Avenue for its 24th Season, Sutton of the club's perks include a TV- A respite in Brooklyn. Permits
words, tennis spectatorship will 212.695.0171 East is larger than its Tennis and-card room, a snack bar for West Side Tennis Center are not necessary for night
never be the same. 64 West 48th Street in Manhattan counterparts, breakfast and lunch and towel www.foresthillstennis.com tennis, though reservations are
212.730.2009 Vanderbilt Tennis and Yorkville services provided by the live- 1 Tennis Place, Forest Hills recommended. The tennis center
NYC Racquet Sports Tennis. Children, parents and in staff. Members enjoy social 718.268.2230 offers group lessons, programs
www.grandcentralracquet.com Paragon Sports grandparents are equally at mixed-doubles round robins, the Indoor/Outdoor; Year-round for youths and adults as well
www.paragonsports.com home here. Sutton's most club's junior programs, an easy Grass; Har-Tru; Red clay; as a Special Aces program for
157 West 35th Street 867 Broadway at 18th Street popular programs include sign-up system and unlimited DecoTurf children with special needs.
212.695.5353 212.255.8889 an Adult Evening league for tennis every day. Membership
advanced players, Round CENTRAL PARK
Grand Central Racquet is CLUBS Robins, Drill-and-Plays and Roosevelt Island West Side Tennis Center, www.centralparktenniscenter.
affiliated with NYC Racquet Cardio Tennis. Its Pee Wee Racquet Club former site of the U.S. Open, com
Sports, the largest racket store Manhattan Plaza Racquet tennis program for ages three- www.rirctennis.com has 38 different courts on every 93rd Street near West Drive
in New York City, located in Club six and Junior Development 281 Roosevelt Island kind of surface. It is a "jewel 212.316.0800
Herald Square, next to Macy's. www.advantagetennisclubs. Program are also extremely 212.935.0250 in Queens" and the "ultimate Outdoor; early April � late
NYC Racquet Sports was rated com popular and offered at Indoor; Year-round experience in tennis," said WSTC November
Racquet Sport Industry's Pro 450 West 43rd Street Vanderbilt and Yorkville. Lee green Tennis Director and owner of the Clay; Asphalt
Specialty Retailer of the Year. 212.294.0554 Open to members and Star Search Talent identification
Indoor; Year-Round Sportime Randall's Island nonmembers program Bob Ingersole. It offers Central to Central Park are its
Mason's Tennis Mart Hard courts Center indoor and outdoor tennis 26 clay and four asphalt courts.
www.masonstennis.com Open to members and www.sportimeny.com Roosevelt Island Racquet on 12 acres, junior programs Clay courts shut down in the
56 East 53rd Street nonmembers Manhattan Club features 12 Lee green and quickstart programs for winter, but the asphalt courts
212.755.5805 1 Randall's Island clay courts, shadowless, non- beginners, as well as a game stay open. The center offers
Manhattan Plaza Racquet Club 212.427.6150 glare lighting, heated and arranging service. It is a summer classes for adults and children
For the last 25 years, Tennis is a luxury tennis experience Indoor/Outdoor; Year-round air-conditioned bubbles and haven for tennis enthusiasts and its services include rest
Industry Magazine has rated defined. It has an air-conditioned DecoTurf; Har-Tru a fitness center for warm-up. and, every Saturday night in the rooms, a snack bar and pro shop
Mason's the #1 Specialist shop bubble and five championship Membership Though a commute, RIRC winter, the club organizes mixed- with stringing services. Lockers
in the U.S. Mason's site makes a tennis hard courts, private and maintains that it is "just a hop, doubles round robins with music, are available for rent.
point of noting that the store is group lessons, game arranging, Sportime Randall's Island is skip, and a tram away!" followed by a buffet dinner.
"owned and run by the people tennis programs, a singles a sophisticated and, at 160,000 RIVERSIDE PARK
that live and love tennis." Nestled square feet, large facility. It is Stadium Tennis Center at
in the heart of midtown, the store The red clay best known for its famous John Mill Pond Two courts are available at
courts of Sutton McEnroe Academy where rising www.stadiumtennisnyc.com 96th Street and at 119th Street
East Tennis Club. talent Noah Rubin plays. There 725 Gateway Center Boulevard along the Hudson. Memberships
are about 800 to 900 students At East 152nd Street and the provide access to clinics, private
in the academy and about Harlem River and group lessons, tournaments
2,300 total members. Adult 718.665.4694 and ladders.
Tennis Kinetics is SRIC's most Indoor/Outdoor; Year-round
popular program, next to game Hard courts Riverside Clay Tennis
arranging. The two-level viewing Non-membership Association
area is spacious and pleasant, www.rcta.info
as is the sports caf�. SRIC was The Stadium Tennis Center Riverside Drive and West 96th
rated best indoor facility 2010 at Mill Pond is south of Yankee 212.978.0277
by the American Sports Builders Stadium. With 16 tennis courts Outdoor
Association and features in and excellent lighting, it is a Clay
addition to its 20 courts, a 3,000 state-of-the-art facility, great
square foot health club and a full in summer or winter. Stadium's 119th Street Tennis Association
basketball court. professional staff offers a www.119ta.net
USTA National Tennis Center Riverside Drive and West 119th
www.usta.com 212.870.3070
Flushing Meadows-Corona Park Outdoor
Hard
C 6|August 27, 2012|The New York Observer Tennis
ROGER ERICKSON EXCEPTIONAL
OFFERINGS
RIVERFRONT MAISONETTE WITH HUGE TERRACE: Features typically found in a $20+ mil apart-
ment, this prewar �5,200 sq ft 5 bedroom duplex is grand and gracious. $9,750,000.WEB: NYO0017605
THE PLAZA HOTEL: One of the most sought after 2 bedroom apartments in the Plaza because
every window faces Central Park. 11' ceilings, custom renovation. $8,500,000. WEB: NYO0017984
4 BEDROOM PENTHOUSE WITH DRAMATIC TERRACE: Ultra-chic Philip Johnson condo. Features
8 rooms, 3,553� sq ft of interior space plus 1,030,� sq ft terrace $8,975,000.WEB: NYO0018137
FIFTH AVENUE DUPLEX WITH TERRACE: Glamorous prewar in mint condition with terrace. WEST 74TH STREET � STEPS TO CENTRAL PARK: Brand
Opulent master suite with two baths and two dressing rooms. $3,450,000.WEB: NYO0017516 new townhouse renovated to beyond perfection. $20,000,000.
ROGER ERICKSON SENIOR MANAGING DIRECTOR
212.606.7612 | www.roger-erickson.com
EAST SIDE MANHATTAN BROKERAGE
38 EAST 61ST STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10065 | sothebyshomes.com/nyc
Operated by Sotheby's International Realty, Inc. Sotheby's International Realty� is a registered trademark.
Tennis The New York Observer|August 27, 2012 |C 7
A WORLD OF
ADVANTAGES
Our unique association with the world-
renowned Sotheby's auction house, our
sophisticated marketing and our connections
to real estate experts all over the world
provide a level of global reach that is
unparalleled in the industry.
Like the esteemed auction house that founded
our brand, Sotheby's International Realty
has a history of achieving record prices and
providing market insight and guidance that is
tailored to every client's needs and taste. Our
real estate experts can provide you with deep
local knowledge, insightful property valuation
and a proven track record in surpassing the
expectations of buyers and sellers at a range
of price points.
We invite you to contact one of our sales
associates to learn some of the reasons the
world's most discerning clients choose to
work with us.
SELECT TOWNHOUSES
120 EAST 70TH STREET E 68TH/OFF MADISON AVENUE E 74TH/ OFF MADISON AVENUE
$35,000,000 | WEB:NYO0016387 $17,500,000 | WEB:NYO0018052 $15,000,000 | WEB:NYO0017688
Louise Beit, 212.606.7703 Fred Williams, 212.606.7737 Roger Erickson, 212.606.7612
VILLAGE HOUSE WITH GARAGE 158 EAST 61ST STREET 109 EAST 81ST STREET
$14,950,000 | WEB:NYO0018006 $13,500,000 | WEB:NYO0018350 $10,000,000 | WEB:NYO0018368
S. Ponte/V. Kaufman, 212.606.4109/7639 Serena Boardman, 212.606.7611 Michael Pellegrino, 212.400.8731
Introducing Sotheby's International Realty's New York City Market Update
We invite you to review Sotheby's International Realty's quarterly residential Market Update for
New York City.This report provides data on Manhattan and Brooklyn sales trends and
offers some perspective on how our market compares to other key locations.
EAST SIDE MANHATTAN BROKERAGE | sothebyshomes.com/nyc
38 East 61st Street, New York, NY 10065 T 212.606.7660 F 212.606.7661
Operated by Sotheby's International Realty, Inc. Sotheby's International Realty� is a registered trademark. Equal Housing Opportunity. *Spanish Balconies used with permission.
C 8|August 27, 2012|The New York Observer Tennis
sothebyshomes.com/nyc
SELECT COOPERATIVES AND CONDOMINIUMS
50 CENTRAL PARK SOUTH 765 PARK AVENUE 25 COLUMBUS CIRCLE
$50,000,000 | WEB:NYO0018168 $27,000,000 | WEB:NYO0017353 $21,500,000 | WEB:NYO0018359
Roberta Golubock, 212.606.7704 L. Stone/M. Kent 212.606.7663/7705 E. Sample/B. Powers 212.606.7685/7653
810 FIFTH AVENUE SOHO PENTHOUSE EAST RIVER RESIDENCE
$19,900,000 | WEB:NYO0018158 $17,950,000 | WEB:NYO0018037 $10,500,000 | WEB:NYO0018062
Serena Boardman, 212.606.7611 Eric Malley, 212.606.7625 L. Nasser/C.Rounick, 212.606.7706/7643
PENTHOUSE WITH TERRACE 1148 FIFTH AVENUE PARK AVE PREWAR CONDO
$8,975,000 | WEB:NYO0018137 $7,200,000 | WEB:NYO0018084 $6,900,000 | WEB:NYO0018165
Roger Erickson, 212.606.7612 R. Pinkwater/J. Hascoe, 212.606.7718 Anne Aransaenz, 212.606.7645
HOUSE BEAUTIFUL 23 EAST 74TH STREET 815 PARK AVENUE
$4,600,000 | WEB:NYO0017858 $3,995,000 | WEB:NYO0017947 $2,800,000 | WEB:NYO0018355
Nikki Field, 212.606.7669 C. Godbille-Koechlin, 212.606.7777 Lisa Maysonet, 212.606.7603
THE RICHMOND, 201 E 80TH ST 425 EAST 13TH STREET 30 EAST 62ND STREET
$1,995,000 | WEB:NYO0018206 $1,050,000 | WEB:NYO0018236 $990,000 | WEB:NYO0017995
Vannessa Kaufman, 212.606.7639 M. Perceval/S. Skiff, 212.606.7790/7794 Olga Neulist, 212.606.7707
247 CENTRAL PARK WEST: SELECT RENTALS 50 WEST 15TH ST PENTHOUSE:
$110,000/month | WEB:NYO0018175 $39,000/month | WEB:NYO0016891
S. Ponte/V. Kaufman, 212.606.4109/7639 101 WEST 67TH STREET: Eric Malley, 212.606.7625
1 CENTRAL PARK WEST: $50,000/month | WEB:NYO0018173 80 COLULMBUS CIRCLE:
$31,000/month | WEB:NYO0018224 S. Boardman/E. Mohr, 212.606.7611/7736 $20,000/month | WEB:NYO0017827
Louise Beit, 212.606.7703 165 CHARLES STREET, APT 10: E. Sample/B. Powers 212.606.7685/7653
$23,000/month | WEB:NYO0018174
D.Peltz/K. Harounian,212.606.7635/7616
Tennis The New York Observer|August 27, 2012 |C 9
special advertising section for the New York observer
U . S . O P E N on the rise
With so much of the focus of modern day tennis
on grass-roots players and developing youth, The Observer
talked to two of the most promising up-and-coming stars of the
game--America's Ryan Harrison and Russia's Irina Khromacheva.
We got a glimpse of their backgrounds, their aspirations and
dreams, as well as looked at a few other tennis faces in the crowd
who we should keep an eye on over the next few years.
Phil Walter/Getty Images
The Chosen One?
A sit-down with rising tennis star Ryan Harrison
By Jack Mcilroy
IT IS NO SECRET that the success of American age. I just loved to compete against anyone that
men's Grand Slam tennis in recent years has been, would play me... I always wanted to be a profes-
well, non-existent. The golden years of Americans sional tennis player and I think I always felt I had
Pete Sampras, John McEnroe and Andre Agassi are it in me. I feel fortunate to be living out my dream."
but a hazy dream, as a collection of Europeans has If he always had athleticism and winning poten-
taken over the sport by the scruff of the neck. The tial, it would no doubt be thanks to his incredibly
drought has now lasted nine years and, with Sere- athletic family, consisting of a former All Ameri-
na Williams' resurgence in the women's game, the can football player (his grandfather), his father
American public's appetite has been whetted. John and an aunt, who played on the pro tennis tour and
Isner , Andy Roddick and Mardy Fish will be the two younger siblings who display natural tennis
focus of attention this year for Americans looking ability. His experience helped to shape his tennis
for U.S. success, but another young man may also game. "I moved to the Bollettieri Academy when I
be in a role to restore balance to the world of Amer- was 15 along with the rest of my family. The atmo-
ican tennis. His name is Ryan Harrison. sphere there is full of energy and the daily compe-
tition helped me take my game to the next level. I
Signs that this young man may be "the chosen also had the chance to practice with seasoned pros
one" are all there. Since becoming the first Ameri- and see how they trained on a daily basis. I learned
can teenager to beat a top 20 opponent since Andy a lot from them."
Roddick in 2010 when he beat No. 15-seed Ivan Lju-
bicic in the first round at Flushing Meadows, Harri- It was at the age of 15 that Harrison turned pro
son has been on the international tennis radar. The and has since then seen a swift and steady rise up
Observer spoke to Harrisom about his ambitions, the ATP rankings not only affecting his game, but
his tennis roots and career so far. also his everyday life. "I think my ranking is more
a reflection of how I am changing my game and
"I started playing at age two. I would go with my my daily routine, he said. "I am gradually learning
father to the club where he worked and hit against what works best for me and my body when it comes
the wall for hours. My Dad eventually let me start to training and preparation. I am becoming more
hitting on the court and teaching me. I just loved disciplined and professional. My life away from
hanging around the club." Harrison could not re- tennis hasn't changed too much. I still talk to and
member one point in which he recognized that hang out with the same friends I have had for years.
tennis was something for which he had talent I guess the only thing that has changed is that I
and wanted to pursue. "I think it just happened have more responsibilities off-court when it comes
over time when I was a kid and when I started to to sponsors and media and then sometimes I get
beat the older club members and kids twice my
OTHER YOUNG MEN TO WATCH
Grigor Dimitrov Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Only 21 years old and already the most
successful Bulgarian Tennis player of all
time, Grigor Dimitrov has built an im-
pressive professional career since win-
ning Junior Wimbledon and the Junior
U.S. Open in 2008. 2012 has seen him
reach three ATP semi-finals, progress to
the second round of the first three slams
and represent his country at the Olym-
pics. Flirting constantly with the top 50,
expect to see Dimitrov climb up the rank-
ings in the near future.
Grigor Dimitrov
C 10|August 27, 2012|The New York Observer Tennis
special advertising section for the New York observer
game. set. match. U . S . O P E N on the rise
Ever wondered exactly how much `Now it's a good time
players go home with following their victories
to begin to play my pro
at the U.S. Open? Let's just say that even
losers by no means go home empty-handed... career. I'm happy about
Here are the 2011 prize earnings. my results now, as I will be
Men'S and women'S singles in the top 200 next week
Winners: $1,800,000 already. My next goal is to
Runners-Up: $900,000
Semifinalists: $450,000 finish the year in top 200
Quarterfinalists: $225,000
Round of 16: $110,000 and take time to prepare
doubles (per team) myself physically for next
Winners: $420,000 year's play on the
Runners-Up: $210,000
Semifinalists: $105,000 Pro circuit.'
Quarterfinalists: $50,000
The next day, Khromacheva re-
sOURCE: USTA calls heading to a nearby tennis
school.
information compiled sOURCE: USTA
That passion grew for the young
by benjamin-�mile le hay Russian who spent time at the Be-
lokamennaya Tennis School before
recognized a moving to Belgium to train at Jus-
bit more than tine Henin's 6th-Sense Academy.
I used to." We She spoke highly of how the school
expect that and the guidance of a former world
the recogni- No. 1 and multi-Grand Slam winning
tion is something star has benefited her game.
that is only going to
get more frequent, espe- "Justine gave me a lot of advice.
cially since appearing on Centre Court She helped me a lot mentally. She
at Wimbledon with Novak Djokovic. has a good club with good coaches,"
"I have had a lot of great experiences Khromacheva told us. "I was lucky to
playing on the ATP World Tour but I be there for those four years. I had a
think the one that stands out is playing very good coach and a good fitness
Novak. Even though I was upset that I coach and we really did a great job
lost, looking back now, I see how spe- together,"
cial that experience really was. I grew
up watching so many epic matches on "I'm really thankful to the 6th-
that court. It was very cool to be out Sense for what they did for me dur-
there competing myself." ing those three and a half years. Now
my coach Wim Fissette [is] giving me
Harrison is looking forward to play- all his experience and has got [me]
ing in front of a home crowd on August working with another great champi-
27 at Flushing Meadows. "It is my fa- on, Kim Clijsters [who he previously
vorite slam," he told us. "Wimbledon is coached]."
a very special place because of the his-
tory, and I love the vibe in Melbourne, Khromacheva named Kim Cli-
but the U.S. Open is my home event, jsters and Novak Djokovic as tennis
idols, but said that she would rath-
`I just loved to compete er focus on her own game than that
of others.
against anyone that would
"I played a lot of junior Slams,
play me... I always wanted which gave me a lot of experience
and confidence," admitted Khro-
to be a professional tennis macheva. "I spent a pretty long
time in the Junior Circuit where I
player and I think I always really learned how to play in differ-
ent situations, [to] be strong men-
felt I had it in me. I feel tally during tough moments. And I
think this is why I won a lot of junior
fortunate to be living out tournaments."
my dream.' Khromacheva has topped the
junior rankings for some time
and there is nothing like the support Girl on the Run and sees next year as her time to
of a home crowd... I think the ener-
gy that comes from the fans and even Russia's Irina Khromacheva make the step up.
the city in general is what makes it so is ready to take on the world "I won three doubles in Junior
special. It is hard to describe until you
are out on the court and have that sup- By Jack Mcilroy Slams and was in the final of Ju-
port. I think the late night matches and nior Wimbledon and was Best
drama that happen every year also add WELCOME TO THE sur and German Angelique Kerber was lucky to have good coaches who Junior Player 2011. And now it's
to the excitement." WORLD of women's ten- and you have yourself a deadly cock- gave me a great start. My genera- a good time to begin to play my pro
nis--where the East- tail party at this year's U.S. Open. tion of players, all of us wanted to be career. I'm happy about my results
It is two years since his victory over ern Europeans have taken great players." It is not uncommon to now, as I will be in top 200 next week
Ljubicic, and we don't remind him of over! The top three ranked One person who could add to the hear such dedication and drive from already. My next goal is to finish the
the parallels with Roddick. His ambi- females in the world are punchbowl (but not able to drink any such young players these days with year in the top 200 and take time to
tions seem strong enough without the from Belarus, Poland and Rus- herself) is 17-year-old Irina Khro- many having been playing since prepare myself physically for next
history lesson. "I am looking forward sia and, just like the vodka fa- macheva. The young Russian was run- they could walk and Khromacheva is year's play on the Pro circuit. And,
to putting together a nice run for the mous in that part of the world, ner up at 2011 Junior Wimbledon and no exception. hopefully, will play all qualifiers of
home crowd in New York this year," the way they play is smooth, pure is likely to make an even bigger splash Grand Slams."
he said. "It won't be easy because and often deadly. Closer to home, in the next few years. The Observer "I found my passion when I was We have no doubt that this is a
everyone is very good and wants Serena Williams sits at No. 4, defi- chatted with Khromacheva about her four years old," she told The Observ- more than achievable goal for Khro-
to win, but that is what makes ant and as dangerous as ever �like a passions and progress, the U.S. Open er. "My parents and I went for a walk. macheva and believe that, should she
tennis so exciting." With the classic American Bourbon; strong, and what makes Russia such a strong And they wanted to play tennis. When qualify, Khromacheva will be one to
addition of the Olympics to this sharp and full of flavor. Throw some producer of tennis talent. they had a break I asked them to play watch at this year's Open.
year's calendar there is no saying chilled beer into the equation with with me a little bit. They gave me a "I love Wimbledon and Roland
who will win in Queens. One thing the likes of Austrian Samantha Sto- "It's a big country," said Khro- racket and I started to put the ball in. Garros. And, of course, I am fasci-
that we can say for sure is that with macheva. "Most people are really I loved that!" nated by the magnitude of the U.S.
Ryan Harrison, American tennis fans strong mentally. In my childhood I Open," she said. "I'm really excited
have someone who they really believe that I can be in qualifier by myself
can prevent American Grand Slam suc- this time. I will try to get through
cess from becoming something that qualification." She did acknowledge
happened "a long time ago in a galaxy that, for her, the most important as-
far far away." pect of competing at the U.S. Open
will be to enjoy playing there.
"I will play my game, and then we
will see. The most important for me
is to show good tennis for my fans
in the world and in the U.S.," Khro-
macheva concluded.
Our forecast is that the Eastern
Europeans aren't about to be de-
throned from the top-tier of the
WTA (or ATP) rankings without a
fight, especially with emerging tal-
ent such as Irina Khromacheva on
the rise over the next couple of the
years.
Ricardas Berankis OTHER YOUNG LADIES TO WATCH
His surname, in Lithuania means Laura Robson Sloane Stephens Sloane Stephens
"armless," ironic for a man whose right
swing took him to No. 1 junior in the world At just 14, Laura Robson This ambitious young player
in 2007. At the end of 2010, after reaching thrilled her home crowd at named fellow Americans, the Wil-
the third round of the Australian Open, he Wimbledon by winning the liams sisters, as two of her main
was the youngest man in the ATP top 100. 2008 Junior Girl Champion- inspirations within the game, and
The following year, a four month absence ships and, later that year, she do not be surprised to see this
due to a pelvis stress fracture slowed won her first professional tour- young woman's career be just as
his progress. However, in 2012 Berankis nament on the ITF Junior tour. successful. Her best run at a major
bounced back strongly to reach the ATP 250 The next few years saw her Slam came this year at Roland Gar-
final at the Farmers Classic in Los Angeles. reach two Junior Australian ros, where she reached the fourth
Open finals and, at still only 18, round, after impressive runs in
Ricardas Berankis she is the youngest player in Australia and Wimbledon
Stephen Dunn/Getty Images the WTA top 100. Robson quali- as well. She will look to im-
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images; Jamie Squire/Getty Imagesfied for both the Australian andprove on last year's third
French Opens this year, having round exit in New York this
reached the second round of fall. With a serve that has
Wimbledon and the U.S. Open broken the 120mph mark
in 2011. Despite being unable and her overall aggres-
to replicate Wimbledon glory, sive style of play, Stephens
she won silver in doubles at the will have the world's top 20
Olympics. Her ascent up the players looking very cau-
rankings is all but guaranteed tiously over their shoulders.
over the next few years.
Laura Robson
The New York Observer Tennis|August 27, 2012 |C 11
U . S . OPE N insider's guide special advertising section for the New York observer
schedule of play
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for USTA
A packed house at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
We're Going to
Flushing Meadows!
The Open, for many, is one of the few times
during the year that all eyes are on Queens
By Daniel Mowery
IT'S FINALLY HERE--the Avenue and Davis Street). Subject to Change
U.S. Open! You're planning 45th Road/Court Square
on making a day, perhaps a leave these truly a
week of it. As you start your also is home to MoMA PS1 home grand slam
trek, get there the easiest, (exit onto Jackson Avenue and
coolest and most entertaining walk right one block to 46th Did you know that the following U.S. Open VIP premium seat
way possible on the 7 train. Avenue). Plan on the museum items are banned from being brought packages (day or evening) include
In under an hour you can being closed Tuesday and
quickly cruise the 8+ miles Wednesdays. Better yet, plan into the USTA National Tennis courtside or loge tickets for
from midtown Manhattan to on getting there Saturday, Complex during the U.S. Open? Arthur Ashe Stadium, a reserved
Willets Point. With well over when the $15 cash-only entry table in the Hospitality Pavilion,
150 languages spoken in this fee includes Warm-Up, a BACKPACKS, COOLERS, catered food, bar, plus parking,
bustling borough, more than fabulous outdoor series of GLASS BOTTLES or CANS,
any other area of the United experimental live music, NOISEMAKING DEVICES, ALCOHOL, TICKETS START AT AROUND $700
States, but Queens is also a performances and DJs, hosted VIDEO CAMERAS, COMPUTERS
food Mecca--so leave time to in "Wendy," a temporary and LAPTOPS, PETS, FLAGS, AND GO UP TO AS HIGH AS $3,500
stop along the way. urban landscape (this year
designed by HWKN). Enjoy BANNERS or SIGNS, PER PERSON
By traveling the 7, you'll also chow by M. Wells. LASER POINTING DEVICES,
be journeying on part of the according to Raleigh information compiled
National Millennium Trail. Back on the train, keep a and sadly, by benjamin-�mile le hay
Extending from Sunnyside lookout for Sunnyside Yards, TENNIS RACKETS. Leahy of the USTA.
to Flushing, the IRT elevated where LIRR and Amtrak
line is considered a national trains enter Penn Station.
treasure for the essential After the Queensboro stop,
role it played for arriving the construction you see is
immigrants in the early for the soon-to-open East
1900s--and continues to Side Tunnel Access to Grand
this day. As Helen Marshall, Central.
Queens Borough President,
says: "Visit Queens and see the Other cultural stops to keep
world!" in mind: Queens Museum
of Art, a 15 minute walk
Before viewing Manhattan through Flushing Meadows
from the windows of the 7, Corona Park, located right
you can start your journey next to the Unisphere (that
at Grand Central, home of giant steel globe!). Among a
the Grand Central Oyster steady rotation of exhibits,
Bar. We recommend a lunch you can also check out Tiffany
special--the bouillabaisse glass or the recently restored
sandwich in a bowl, with bread and proudly exhibited 1939
on the side, to keep that U.S. World's Fair Relief Map
Open garb tidy! The bar was of the NYC Water Supply
first opened in 1913 along with System. Nearby are The
the station, then re-imagined Panaroma, built by Robert
and reinvented in the '70s Moses for the 1964 World's
with gorgeous vaulted ceilings Fair, and the painstakingly
and U-shaped counters. The updated Citi Field.
sprawling oyster bar boasts
over twenty varieties a day A great back-up plan for
and delivers a memorable New inclement weather or a little
York experience. Stand outside variety for those with kids
the restaurant entrance and in tow is The New York Hall
let the child in you test the of Science, near the QMA or
acoustic legend--speak in one a short walk from the 111th
tiled corner and your voice street station. See 1964-65
clearly carries over the curved World Fair relics including
ceiling, past the loud echoing rockets like the Mercury
bustle of commuters into the Capsule, or enjoy the Science
opposite diagonal corner. Playground and tons of
hands-on exhibits.
Then hop on the 7, which
quickly emerges above One stop away (Flushing/
ground at the Queensboro Main Street) is Flushing
Plaza stop. Here, you can Town Hall--and if you're
begin to see the city skyline-- around on September
the slope of CitiCorp, the 5, you can catch the
gleam of Chrysler and the Monthly Jazz Jam at
unmistakably regal spire of 7p.m. The first Wednesday
the Empire State Building. of each month, the event
Keep your eyes open for showcases the house band,
5pointz as well, the ever- followed by an eclectic mix
evolving five-story, block-long of guest artists, professional
sprawling hub of graffiti art musicians, educators and
that is visible from the train. students who improvise the
This is certainly worth a closer night away in a borough that's
look if time allows (at Jackson no stranger to jazz (Louis
Armstrong's home is a site to
see in Queens, too!)
sOURCE: USTA
food stops
There is food at the U.S. Open, and Flushing- 74th Street�Broadway
there's food galore in Flushing Meadow Main Street Little India, featuring jewelry, saris,
Park. From hot dogs to Ecuadorian and spices and the legendary Jackson Diner
Latino delights, wander along the park Mets-Willets Point (37-47 74th Street), among other truly
or venture towards the soccer fields exceptional Indian eats.
for culinary adventures with a more 111 Street
international flair (and perhaps see the 82nd Street�Jackson Heights
Ecuadorian version of volleyball being 103 Street-Corona Plaza Amazing Columbian fare up and down
played). Naturally, there are gourmet Junction Boulevard Roosevelt Avenue and 82nd Street.
options in the VIP spaces of Billie Jean 90 Street-Elmhurst Avenue
King Tennis Center, but here are stops 90th Street�Elmhurst
along the 7 train worth exploring: 82 Street-Jackson Heights Mexican, Ecuadorian and Dominican
kitchens dominate here.
VERNON Boulevard/ 74 Street-Broadway
JACKSON AVEnue Junction Boulevard
69 Street One stop further, the Latino influence is
Young and up-and-coming, here you'll Woodside-61 Street decidedly Pan-Latin.
find funky cafes and coffee shops along Queensboro
with fresh takes on Italian, French or Plaza 52 Street 103 Street�Corona Plaza
Latino fusion. For a java jolt, head to 46 Street-Bliss Street Dominicans and other Latino flavors
Sweet Leaf 33 Street- 40 Street-Lowery Street blend with old school Italian restaurants
(10-93 Jackson Avenue). Rawson Street and sandwich shops.
Court Square Court Square Flushing�Main Street
Chinese and Asian food nirvana!
Culture hotspots (MoMA PS1, 5pointz) Vernon Hunters Point Avenue the new york observer; freezr Inexpensive and indescribably
mingle with Spanish diners and new Boulevard/ delicious food carts, mixed in with
classics like bistro fare at Sage General Jackson Avenue Woodside�61st Street a multitude of restaurants, bakeries,
Store (24-20 Jackson Avenue). More Irish pubs (perhaps Queens holds bubble tea cafes, dim sum, dumplings
in with international gems like Romanian a record?) and more ethnic standouts. and BBQ. Renowned Joe's Shanghai
40th Street and 46th Street Garden (43-06 43rd Avenue), plus not to Indulge at Sripraphai (64-13 39th (136-21 37th Avenue) alone is worth
Look for established Irish pubs jumbled be missed cross-cultural favorite Alpha Avenue) for Thai or non-stop food carts the extra trip.
Donuts (45-16 Queens Boulevard). for a wide range of treats.
52nd Street 69th Street
Worth hopping off the train for La Flor Check out the Filipino places featuring
Bakery and Caf� (Roosevelt and 53rd "longanisa," a delicious array of many-
street), Korean BBQ and other culinary flavored sausages.
treasures.
C 12|August 27, 2012|The New York Observer Tennis
DISCOVER LIFE ON THE
NORTH FORK
THE
HIGHLANDS
NORTH FORK
wwwww.Lwi.fLeifOeOnnTThheeNNoorrththFoFrokr.cko.mcom
From poolside to portside, vineyard to backyard,
the excitement begins with your new home at The Highlands.
It's all here at the North Fork's best kept secret: The Highlands. These spectacular single family homes offer a
year-round maintenance-free lifestyle (no lawn care, no snow shoveling, etc). From the fitness center, pool, and
tennis courts inside the private gates to the golf, vineyards, boutique shops, outlet stores, great restaurants
and nearby beaches, the Highlands has everything you desire in a resort-style home. The Highlands is now over
80% sold-out, so now is the time to discover your new life on the North Fork.
STATE-OF-THE-ART FITNESS CENTERS | HEATED POOL | TENNIS COURTS | YEAR-ROUND MAINTENANCE
3 AND 4 BEDROOM HASSLE FREE LUXURY HOMES STARTING AT $509,900
631.722.5900 | 4681 Sound Avenue, Aquebogue, NY
Models open for viewing weekdays 12pm - 4pm and weekends 2pm - 5pm
Exclusive Sales & Marketing � NuVu Realty
Complete offering terms are in an offering plan available from the sponsor
Highlands_20945_ Fam_10.75x20.875_OBSV.indd 1 Tennis The New York Observer|August 27, 28/07/1122 4:|10CPM13
special advertising section for the New York observer
U . S . O P E N all the rave
Love Tennis By Hazel'S Babolat's Pure Drive
Men's Cufflinks Racket- Generation 7
These dapper sterling silver With extreme
cufflinks can be upgraded with maneuverability and
14k gold and add a touch of power control, Babloat's
refinement for any occasion.-- popular racket line has
been updated significantly
$350, www.lovetennisbyhazel.com for "generation 7," which
comes in four different
Tasteful Tennis Head's Maria Sharapova adult models. New Cortex
Tennis Racquet Bag � Court Active Technology
A glimpse at sophisticated and The chic bag hits shelves this month
innovative products on the market just in time for the U.S. Open and and a lighter design
was partially designed by Maria are just a few of the
By Benjamin-�mile Le Hay Sharapova herself. upgrades. The Pure
$115, www.head.com/tennis
WITH FASHION SAVVY PROFESSIONAL TENNIS Drive collection has
PLAYERS such as Venus Williams, Roger Federer adidas' by Stella McCartney been used by players
and Maria Sharapova designing their own outfits Tennis Performance Dress such as Spain's Carlos
and tennis gear, The Observer decided to find out Former WTA No. 1 player, Moy�, Andy Roddick
which tennis fashions and equipment will keep you Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki, and Belgium's Kim
looking most stylish on the courts this fall. Here Clijsters.
are some of our top picks. wears this fashionable ensemble
for aggressive matches on court. $189-$195
$120, www.adidas.com www.babolat.com
Lacoste'S Andy Roddick Short Sleeve
Super Dry Chest Stripe Polo
It's been nearly 100 years since French tennis star
Ren� Lacoste earned the nickname "Alligator," and
eventually went on to establish the Lacoste label
(which he officially created with a crocodile logo
in 1933). With a rich history founded on the game,
Lacoste has continually sponsored a slew of winning
tennis players on the tour, spawning numerous design
collaborations; this Andy Roddick polo, is the latest.
$95.00, www.lacostetennis.com
adidas' PERFORMANCE: adizero Feather II (men)
and adizero Tempaia (women, SHOWN)
A technologically advanced, high-performance shoe series, these styles are
worn by France's Jo-Wilfred and Spain's Fernando Verdasco. Former world
No. 1 and 2008 French Open champion, Ana Ivanovic of Serbia competes in
a pair of adizero Tempaia.
$125-130, www.adidas.com
Head's 2012 YouTek IG
Radical Pro Racket
Made with d3oTM and Innegra materials, this
innovative racket is used by Wimbledon
finalist and 2012 men's singles Olympic
gold medalist Andy Murray.
$210, www.head.com/tennis
� SPOTTED �
From First Ladies to stars of the silver screen, the U.S. Open attracts much more than the hoi polloi
to the USTA Billie Jean King Center. Here's a look at who trekked out
to Flushing Meadows for last year's Open. One can only wonder who will turn up in 2012.
1 Anna Wintour 7 Vanessa Williams 13 Jay-Z and Beyonc� Knowles
2 Tommy Lee Jones 8 John Lithgow 14 Matthew Perry
3 First Lady Michelle Obama 9 Christy Turlington 15 Star Jones, Al Roker and
and Billie Jean King and Edward Burns wife Deborah Roberts
4 Justin Timberlake 10 Ben Stiller and 16 Jason Sudeikis
5 Bradley Cooper 17 Ron Rifkin
6 Michael Douglas and wife Christine Taylor 18 Ciara
19 Stanley Tucci
Catherine Zeta-Jones 11 Alec Baldwin
12 Queen Latifah
1 2 3
7 4 6
8 5 11
9 12
10 18
13 15 19
14
16 17
Getty Images
C 14|August 27, 2012|The New York Observer Tennis
LAKERIDGE
A 235 acre gated community in Connecticut's Litchfield
Hills with 19 tennis courts and hundreds of tennis fanatics!
Just 2 Hours from Manhattan
%* ++.0!**%/+1.0//!2!.($.0.1+1.0/0!**%/),,(0"+.)0!**%/
%* ++.,++('% %!,++(+10 ++.,++(+*/%0!),/C 5),/C!-1!/0.%*
),C/'%),,.%20!/'%.!.% %*#/0(!�0*!//!*0!.%!/'0%*#.%*'
0$.!!(+ #!/,++(/% !"!/'!0((* /+)1$)+.!
0;854BCH;4
An award winning community of 474
uniquely-designed homes with 2-5
bedrooms, private decks and fireplaces.
Total exterior maintenance included.
Houses available for sale or rental
call us at 800-796-8929 or visit us at lakeridgect.com
Tennis The New York Observer|August 27, 2012 |C 15
SALES | RENTALS | RELOCATION | NEW DEVELOPMENTS | RETAIL | MORTGAGE | PROPERTY MANAGEMENT | TITLE INSURANCE Web# H36413 A successful real estate transaction means having a team that can pull all the elements together flawlessly. From buying and selling to appraisals, 8/8/12 3:50 PM
mortgage financing and rentals, top experts on AskElliman.com offer timely answers to today's questions about all things real estate. With the largest
WHEN LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT HOME, regional and global network, Douglas Elliman has the influence, savvy and resources to personally guide you from beginning to end. Put the power C 1P6DE|NeAwuYgoruksOtbs2er7,ver2 A0u1g222-|revT4.ihneddN 1ew York Observer Tennis
WHO HAS A FLAIR FOR ALL THE DETAILS? of Elliman to work for you.
� 2012 BRER Affiliates Inc. An independently owned and operated broker member of BRER Affiliates Inc. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are registered service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license with no other affiliation with Prudential. Equal Housing Opportunity. All material presented herein is
intended for information purposes only. While, this information is believed to be correct, it is represented subject to errors, omissions, changes or withdrawal without notice. All property information, including, but not limited to square footage, room count, number of bedrooms and the school district in property listings are deemed reliable, but should be verified by your own attorney, architect or zoning expert.