If you follow ParentingAces on social media, you know I just returned from the US Open where I was covering the junior event. It was my first time back since 2019, and while some things seemed a bit different, overall it felt very familiar. As usual, I saw some old friends, met some new ones, and connected IN REAL LIFE with others I had only interacted with online. Here are a few takeaways from my 2024 US Open experience . . .
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- There’s something really special about being surrounded by tennis fans of all ages and stages. Every time I’ve come to the US Open – my first time was in 2007 – I’ve felt that magic of being in a place devoted to the sport I’ve been playing since I was very young. Even newbies seem to feel comfortable asking questions about the scoring or format of the various events, hopefully turning them into lifelong Tennis Fans.
- I have to remind myself every time I’m at the Open of the Junior ITF rules. For the juniors, let serves are in play and doubles uses no-ad scoring and a 10-point match tiebreak in lieu of a 3rd set.
- For whatever reason, the Junior US Open still feels a bit like an afterthought for fans on site. Even when there are no other matches going on, the crowds at the junior matches were slim. That said, the fans who were there for the Main Event and made their way to the outer courts where the juniors were playing seemed very interested in learning about the players and their journeys to this point. And, since the junior matches were promoted within the US Open app, it made it easier for casual fans to come watch. I’m hoping that by televising the junior matches on ESPN streaming, these players can build a fan base that follows them as they make the transition from juniors to college (for some) to the pro tour.
Empty stands in Armstrong during Junior matches
- Even when they are out of the tournament, the players keep training. On my last morning, I made my way to the practice courts where Chris Eubanks was hitting with USTA coach Troy Hahn. Chris had stayed in NY after his 1st round loss in order to do commentary for ESPN. But, he still needed to stay in shape for his next tournament. The life of a pro player is tough and the season is long. No rest for the weary!
- Yonex has made massive inroads at both the junior and pro level. The vast majority of juniors who made it to the quarterfinals seemed to use a Yonex racquet, and the Yonex reps were very visible throughout my time at the tournament. When I asked USTA coach Jose Caballero why he thought Yonex was making such a push, he said the company has always produced high-quality racquets and offered tremendous support to players. He added that Yonex now has the financial stability to market more broadly, and that both players and coaches appreciate the customer service they receive. I’ve not tried Yonex racquets myself but would love to hear from any of you who have juniors playing with them. For those interested in seeking a racquet sponsorship from them, here’s the link: https://www.yonex.com/us/tennis-sponsorships. For those outside the US, go to https://www.yonex.com/distributor-listing to find your local rep. And just an FYI: Yonex fines – and/or drops – its players when they destroy a racquet so beware, all you racquet-smashers!
- There was continuing chatter around the grounds regarding college-hopeful junior players accepting prize money they earned by making the Main Event. I spoke with Colette Lewis of ZooTennis at length when I first arrived about conversations she had been having with USTA staff, college coaches, and parents of competing juniors. I also had the chance to speak with USTA reps and college coaches while on site. The bottom line is no one really knows what’s going to happen with the NCAA and the Reese Brantmeier lawsuit. With NIL deals for college athletes in the 6 and even 7 figures, it seems only fair that these tennis players should be allowed to keep their earned prize money and maintain eligibility to play in college.
Lisa with Colette Lewis
- Because the US Open is the biggest stage for tennis in the US, there are often adjunct events going on around the grounds and in the City to promote and grow the game. I had the chance to sit down with one of my son’s former coaches, Clifford Malivert, about the work he is doing with his local NJTL in the Atlanta area to show young players what is possible. Click the image to watch.
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- Playing in both the Main Event and the juniors is a lot! For Iva Jovic, who won both the singles and doubles at the National Hardcourts in early August, she was initially entered in 5 events over the 2 week tournament: Women’s Singles, Women’s Doubles, Mixed Doubles, Girls Singles, and Girls Doubles. After winning her first Women’s Singles match and coming close to winning again in Round 2, as well as winning her first Mixed Doubles match with partner Kaylan Bigun, Iva decided to pull out of the Girls Doubles and focus on the singles draw where she made her way to the Semifinals. Iva lost in 3 sets to the eventual champion, Mika Stojsavljevic.
Iva Jovic
- The USTA Player Development coaches were out en force to support the American players in all areas of the tournament. While I only recorded a conversation with Kathy Rinaldi (click image below to watch), USTA Head of Women’s Tennis, I also chatted with several others including Kent Kinnear, Head of Men’s Tennis; Troy Hahn, Lead Men’s National Coach; and, as mentioned above, Jose Caballero, Men’s National Coach – Transition/Junior. It’s always fascinating for me to sit near the coaches and watch and listen as they interact with the players during matches. Overall, they stay positive, encourage good body language and energy, and rarely offer specific advice on shots or tactics. I always appreciate the opportunity to chat with them and learn from them and watch them in action.
- Playing in both the Main Event and the juniors is a lot! For Iva Jovic, who won both the singles and doubles at the National Hardcourts in early August, she was initially entered in 5 events over the 2 week tournament: Women’s Singles, Women’s Doubles, Mixed Doubles, Girls Singles, and Girls Doubles. After winning her first Women’s Singles match and coming close to winning again in Round 2, as well as winning her first Mixed Doubles match with partner Kaylan Bigun, Iva decided to pull out of the Girls Doubles and focus on the singles draw where she made her way to the Semifinals. Iva lost in 3 sets to the eventual champion, Mika Stojsavljevic.
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- Getting a real player towel from a real player is super exciting! Thank you to Kate for the keepsake!
- Meeting past podcast guests in person is always a treat! At this year’s Open, I finally met coach Todd Widom, who has been on the pod so many times over the years! We chatted over pasta about all things junior tennis including player development, the changing nature of coaching junior tennis, the coach-parent relationship, and the crucial importance of parent education. I also met recent guest, Ben Shapiro, of Atlas Tennis. Ben was working at the event alongside Atlas founder, Eric Butorac, so we didn’t get to talk for long, but it was super fun to see him in person!
Lisa with Todd Widom
Lisa with Ben Shapiro
- Shopping opportunities on the grounds are endless! If there’s a specific item you’re seeking, and it’s not available at one shop, keep looking. I was on the hunt for red US Open caps and was finally able to locate them at the smaller outdoor kiosk adjacent to Armstrong stadium. Perseverance pays!
- 2 1/2 days at the tournament was perfect for this visit, but I’ll come for more days next year. While I’m happy I missed the enormous crowds on Labor Day, it would’ve been nice to see more of the junior players in action. My first day on the grounds was the Round of 16 for the juniors but I think I’ll come at least one day earlier in 2025 and stay through the end of the junior finals.
- New York bagels, namely those from Ess-A-Bagel, remain the best in the world!
All in all, I had a great trip to New York and look forward to returning next year! A big thank you to the USTA for the media credential and to all of you who followed my journey. If you missed it, you can see all the live videos on our Instagram feed.
Congratulations to Mika Stojsavljevic (GBR) – Girls Singles Champion; Rafael Jodar (ESP) – Boys Singles Champion; Malak El Allami (MOR) & Emily Sartz-Lunde (NOR) – Girls Doubles Champions; and Maxim Mrva (CZE) & Rei Sakamoto (JPN) – Boys Doubles Champions. It was a pleasure to watch you all play.
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