To answer your question about why people wear tennis clothes to watch tennis: Why not? I did this often in my teens, sometimes after already having played, sometimes prior. Tennis is the rare big-time professional sport that a great many spectators actually also play. Dressing that way made me feel that much more in in the thick of things, that much more immersed participant than remote observer, that much more enmeshed in the sport I loved so very much in a kinesthetic rather than merely cognitive way. Heck, once, at the Los Angeles Tennis Club, a Wimbledon champion offered to hit with me for five minutes while he awaited the arrival of his practice partner. Throughout my media career, there were times I've worn wore wristbands. But I'll draw the line on trotting out a bag, stuffed with racquets, etc. Look forward to more of your stories.
Also, it's comfortable. And I won't speak for you, Joel, but I am not as fabulous as Serena or Naomi or Roger. Or Andrea, for that matter. No one wants to see me shvitzing in a suit all day.
Ok but you're glowing! 🥹 no matter how many years will pass from your retirement it will always make me unhappy thinking about it, but seeing you happy makes me happy, so happy anniversary!
I woke up in the ‘best city in the world’ today, and somehow ended up in the stands at a very empty court 5 on the final Sunday, overlooking court 6 right now. I know your Birthday isn’t until tomorrow, but I wanted to leave my good wishes here now, and maybe even sing Happy Birthday to you. Hope you have a great day!! And who knows, maybe I’ll get lucky, and find a good seat in Armstrong stadium later for the fan fest viewing of the final, since I’m here on the grounds early.
Like a player arguing their case to an elevated chair umpire to avoid an “immediate default” I will plead my case (like my fellow Canadian, Felix AA…call double bounce on yourself Jack… you knew it!)
Firstly, unless I guzzle my beer down quickly, if it sits too long, it gets warm. Yuck. Unless it’s Guinness, and the middle of winter, I don’t like my beer at room temp.
Secondly, if it was cider (or the late-night-crowd-inciting-shorts-removing Honey Deuce) no one would think twice about ice. So, I feel that beer with ice could be a new trend. Who knows, stranger things have trended.
Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly as a hydration issue, I’m a responsible drinker. I feel that when I ice my beer I am striking a healthy balance of staying hydrated while also getting dehydrated. Us athletes 😉 need to stay hydrated.
On a side note, why do players sip from their water bottle and then their electrolyte bottle? Doesn’t it go to the same place? Why not water down electrolyte mixture? I know this needs to not be iced. 🤓
On a second side note, I’d love to read your thoughts on what players do on the change over. We see them sitting stoically, sipping whatever, eating a banana or energy goop, etc. But we don’t see what they are processing. “I’ve gotta get it to her backhand… Use your kicker out wide on the ad side… where am I going for dinner? Or maybe they’re just enjoying the pulsing stadium rock music and the kiss cam action. I don’t know.
My men’s league changeovers involve iced beer and chatting with opponents 🤗
Perhaps I doth protest too much, but you did ask the question. I know it was a rhetorical question, but I felt the need to defend ice in beer and not be “immediately defaulted.”
Ouch 😩
As you are a German, I know you know your beer, so I do respect your stance even if I don’ agree.
Brilliant read, as always, thanks! With your permission, I will spread your kind words about our new tennis pride, Otto Virtanen, in this remote & northern country. We think he's quite something and will go up the rankings quite far. He lights up playing in front of a big audience, ref. Finnish DC success in recent years.
P.S. Make sure you also check out Harri Heliövaara's doubles game – and his post match celebrations!
Yes to the comment about ‘how to dress’. Way too many make it look like a beach outing. 😀 It should be more like going to a concert or a show. So suit up.
Growing up in New York, I was surrounded by loud bros. The US Open brings bros together from around the world as a swarm of light blue buttoned shirts and hair gel occupy the expensive seats, along with the non-tennis fan dates they’re trying to impress. It’s become tradition :)
Mika, from Germany...can't be a coincidence, right? Please, inquiring minds want to know!
Watched Emma Navarro vs. Marta Kostyuk at Armstrong yesterday -- what a match. Both women fighting to the end. Coco vs. Emma should be very interesting.
💯 I wore Comme to the Surbiton Challenger. It is beholden on us to all do better!
that‘s the spirit! i salute you (and by salute i mean try to lift my arm in this very uncomfortable dress i‘m currently PULLING OFF)
Happy two year anniversary, Andrea. I'm glad I was able to cover that final US Open match you played in '22. https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/andrea-petkovic-brings-everything-she-had-give-final-us-open-bencic-retirement
To answer your question about why people wear tennis clothes to watch tennis: Why not? I did this often in my teens, sometimes after already having played, sometimes prior. Tennis is the rare big-time professional sport that a great many spectators actually also play. Dressing that way made me feel that much more in in the thick of things, that much more immersed participant than remote observer, that much more enmeshed in the sport I loved so very much in a kinesthetic rather than merely cognitive way. Heck, once, at the Los Angeles Tennis Club, a Wimbledon champion offered to hit with me for five minutes while he awaited the arrival of his practice partner. Throughout my media career, there were times I've worn wore wristbands. But I'll draw the line on trotting out a bag, stuffed with racquets, etc. Look forward to more of your stories.
Also, it's comfortable. And I won't speak for you, Joel, but I am not as fabulous as Serena or Naomi or Roger. Or Andrea, for that matter. No one wants to see me shvitzing in a suit all day.
Stuck in Seattle and wishing I was in Queens. I am celebrating the second anniversary of your writing career. Keep up the words with top spin.
Ok but you're glowing! 🥹 no matter how many years will pass from your retirement it will always make me unhappy thinking about it, but seeing you happy makes me happy, so happy anniversary!
I woke up in the ‘best city in the world’ today, and somehow ended up in the stands at a very empty court 5 on the final Sunday, overlooking court 6 right now. I know your Birthday isn’t until tomorrow, but I wanted to leave my good wishes here now, and maybe even sing Happy Birthday to you. Hope you have a great day!! And who knows, maybe I’ll get lucky, and find a good seat in Armstrong stadium later for the fan fest viewing of the final, since I’m here on the grounds early.
P.P.S. Love your writing… ✍️ also here for the comments 😉
“Who the hell puts ice cubes in beer?” 😱
Well, Andrea, I put ice cubes in my beer.
Like a player arguing their case to an elevated chair umpire to avoid an “immediate default” I will plead my case (like my fellow Canadian, Felix AA…call double bounce on yourself Jack… you knew it!)
Firstly, unless I guzzle my beer down quickly, if it sits too long, it gets warm. Yuck. Unless it’s Guinness, and the middle of winter, I don’t like my beer at room temp.
Secondly, if it was cider (or the late-night-crowd-inciting-shorts-removing Honey Deuce) no one would think twice about ice. So, I feel that beer with ice could be a new trend. Who knows, stranger things have trended.
Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly as a hydration issue, I’m a responsible drinker. I feel that when I ice my beer I am striking a healthy balance of staying hydrated while also getting dehydrated. Us athletes 😉 need to stay hydrated.
On a side note, why do players sip from their water bottle and then their electrolyte bottle? Doesn’t it go to the same place? Why not water down electrolyte mixture? I know this needs to not be iced. 🤓
On a second side note, I’d love to read your thoughts on what players do on the change over. We see them sitting stoically, sipping whatever, eating a banana or energy goop, etc. But we don’t see what they are processing. “I’ve gotta get it to her backhand… Use your kicker out wide on the ad side… where am I going for dinner? Or maybe they’re just enjoying the pulsing stadium rock music and the kiss cam action. I don’t know.
My men’s league changeovers involve iced beer and chatting with opponents 🤗
Perhaps I doth protest too much, but you did ask the question. I know it was a rhetorical question, but I felt the need to defend ice in beer and not be “immediately defaulted.”
Ouch 😩
As you are a German, I know you know your beer, so I do respect your stance even if I don’ agree.
Happy Anniversary 🎉
Prost 🍻🧊🤗
P.S. I’ve also been known to ice my coffee 😱
Yuliana Putintseva ... what was that immaturity all about?
Brilliant read, as always, thanks! With your permission, I will spread your kind words about our new tennis pride, Otto Virtanen, in this remote & northern country. We think he's quite something and will go up the rankings quite far. He lights up playing in front of a big audience, ref. Finnish DC success in recent years.
P.S. Make sure you also check out Harri Heliövaara's doubles game – and his post match celebrations!
Yes to the comment about ‘how to dress’. Way too many make it look like a beach outing. 😀 It should be more like going to a concert or a show. So suit up.
Happy two year retirement anniversary! We SHOULD celebrate. Just send us the invite!
Growing up in New York, I was surrounded by loud bros. The US Open brings bros together from around the world as a swarm of light blue buttoned shirts and hair gel occupy the expensive seats, along with the non-tennis fan dates they’re trying to impress. It’s become tradition :)
Congrats on 2 years, homie.
I just had my one year retirement anniversary. No party or anything. Hope that I look half as good as you after year 2 of retirement!
'See you all next week Monday.....' ?? That will be Sept. 2nd. The finals will be played Sept. 7th & 8th.
Andrea, who is this OTHER Petko?
https://www.usopen.org/en_US/players/overview/atpp0o9.html
Mika, from Germany...can't be a coincidence, right? Please, inquiring minds want to know!
Watched Emma Navarro vs. Marta Kostyuk at Armstrong yesterday -- what a match. Both women fighting to the end. Coco vs. Emma should be very interesting.
My wholly personal nickname for Jarkko Nieminen was Woodstock. The. Best. Hair.
https://wallpaperaccess.com/full/3464213.jpg