US Tennis Open

I went to the '04 final. It was fun.

Answers to your Q's depend on what you are looking for. Early tournament grounds pass is a good idea to see a lot. Paying a ton just to see the final was worth it...once. Once you are in the second level sweating like an animal you might wish you were back home. Midweek is less crowded. Also, bring plenty of water.

I've gone a couple times - second the rec for early ground pass - watching close up on the side courts is fun. Night matches are also a lot of fun and have a great atmosphere. I won't get to go this year unfortunately...if you have an AMEX check your emails from a while ago - I think they were offering certain tickets for $30 each.

Having done both, I'd have to say earlier is better. You get to see up-and-comers on the side courts where you can get really, really close to the action. A few years ago I saw Verdasco playing Andreev courtside - it was like standing on the fence at a local park, and you got such a real impression of how fast the game is and how amazing what they're doing is. And since Verdasco has gone on to become quite a player, it's pretty neat. In that match, interestingly, Andreev looked like the guy to watch for the future.

You also get to see players just roaming the grounds, heading back to their hotels or whatever after a match or practice session. There's tons going on and you have so much access it's incredible.

I saw Federer play a semi on Ashe but unless you are a super-baller and can a) afford and b) get access to courtside tickets, you end up in the nosebleeds where you just have no appreciation for the match. I'd much rather watch on TV than from that high, bizarre angle.

I see I'm late with this advice, but hope you have fun. Take lots of cash - the food is outrageously expensive.

I went to the opening ceromony and matches last year in the AA stadium. I had never been to a tennis match and can't comment on much exept it was quite the experience and I would do it again in a heartbeat!

Always go as early in the tournament as possible. Way less crowds, you'll see incredible tennis up close. The big matches are honestly some of the worst to attend.

+100000

I saw a match in '03 between Gustavo Kuerten and Dmitri Tursunov. It was quite a shouting match between the Brazilian and Russian fans.

There was a group of three Russian fans in their mid-20s sitting near me who were getting a bit unruly in the fifth set, and at one point one of them shouted during Kuerten's serve, which is, obviously, about as big a no-no as there is at a tennis match. He was warned by an usher and got a nasty look from Kuerten.

On Kuerten's next serve, he again got up and shouted, at which point Kuerten grabbed his ball out of the air, said something to the umpire and sat down on the sideline, presumably refusing to play until the staff removed the unruly fan.

It took about five minutes, but they finally dragged the guy out of the stands and play resumed.

It was definitely more excitement than I was expecting at a tennis match!

I'm thinking of possibly attending this year. Whats the best way to get last minute tickets? Do the general grounds pass sell out?

sorry to be late to this thread. I attend every year, here are my thoughts:

- arthur ashe is just a lousy tennis stadium unless you're sitting courtside, which is insanely expensive.

- Don't buy a grounds pass. Instead attend before the quarterfinals and buy the cheapest arthur ashe ticket you can find. It gives you access to the outer courts, louis armstrong and the grandstand. There will be some great matches in armstrong, its a great place to see a match and your groundspass doesn't get you in.

- Try to see some doubles matches. its full of fast paced, interesting strategy.

- As mentioned by other people, the outer courts are fun, you are right on top of the action.

- Don't pay full price at ticketmaster. Every year there is a discount code that lets you buy 2 for 1s or $10-$20 arthur ashe tickets. Missed the sale? Check craigslist often and people will be selling the tickets at cost or below. I paid $125 for courtside seats for the woman's semis one year. I don't think I've ever paid more than $25 for an early round match. I do pony up $100-$125 every year for the men's semis.

- As noted, food is expensive. However, they let you bring in food so if you're coming fromt the city, pick up a good sandwich. If you are driving, stop at leo latticini in flushing for a sandwich. http://www.foodandwine.com/articles/...s-dairy-queens

- You can also get your hand stamped and walk out to the hot dog vendor out by the walkway. He has hot dogs, chips, ice cream and soda at about 1/4 of the price inside the open.

- You must eat at Sripraphai, the best thai restaurant in nyc. Its in woodside queens, a short car or train ride from the open. Another option is flushing for great chinese but it can be a little confusing.

Taking you up on this Thai recommendation.

if you hunt around chowhound.com, you can find a compendium of recommended dishes. Our favorites are(apps) fried watercress salad, papaya salad, soft shell crab. Main dishes are penang curry, drunken noodles and crispy pork. Be careful with spice levels, the waiters can help but if you leave out the heat altogether, as I once did when my son was very young, it turns into an unremarkable meal. Ate there recently after a tournament with my son, ordered a bunch of spicy dishes. My son lifted his head after about 10 minutes long enough to say "this is awesome" and he went back to shoveling food. Also, the desserts are unusual, inexpensive and worth trying.

I guess its worth mentioning that I've played in tennis tournaments on the us open courts. Its an interesting experience to play on the outer courts with spectators right on top of you. The courts seem slow to me for hard courts...