By Pat Savage
Diehard tennis fans taking in the matches at the U.S. Open Tennis Championship find themselves subjected to harsh summer heat – and the New York Times is trying to help.
The so-called Paper of Record recently published a list of nine ways to “recharge” during the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, Queens, for the United States Open Tennis Championship, Aug. 26 through Sept. 8. The advice includes:
* Going high in Louis Armstrong Stadium. “On a hot day, cool off on the top floor of the Louis Armstrong Stadium, which has state-of-the-art ventilation. Last year the revamped stadium made its debut, and it immediately became a spectator favorite.”
Use your American Express Card. “Let’s face it: Free ice cream sandwiches and plush chairs in an air-conditioned, activities-and-amenities zone probably means there is a corporate sponsor behind the effort,” the Times suggests. “If you’re a card carrier, it would be silly for you to overlook the American Express Fan Experience, a 20,000-square-foot space just inside the main entrance gate. Visitors with Amex accounts can have their hair and makeup touched up or their shoes cleaned for free. And for members of the general public, who are welcome to walk through the main area for a blast of air conditioning, there are also interactive activities, like creating a mural with tennis rackets that splatter paint.”
* Stay hydrated. “Heineken’s Red Star Patio Cafe, with its bright green stools and spacious tables just east of Arthur Ashe Stadium, is known among tournament regulars as a casual option for those who like to socialize,” reports the Times. “Introverts might find the tennis chatter a bit much, but if you’re looking to debate the most recent Osaka/Keys tie break, or whether Tsitsipas could go all the way, this might be the place. On certain days, the company will be giving out free tastings of Heineken 0.0, a zero-alcohol beer. Not a bad idea, after all, to pace oneself.”
Carol Schram of Forbes magazine also had some recommendations on how to watch the tennis tournament. But she suggests not hydrating, but observing the condition of the tourny’s highest profile player.
“One other question that will dog Serena (Williams): How healthy is she? In her last tournament appearance, the 37-year-old was forced to retire in the Rogers Cup final against Canadian Bianca Andreescu due to back issues… Serena will need to be in top form from Day 1. She’ll meet former World No. 1 Maria Sharapova for the first time ever at the U.S. Open in the first round of the tournament, and could clash with 2019 French Open champ and No. 2 seed Ashleigh Barty in the quarterfinals.”
