USTA 2014 Junior Sportsmanship Award Winners
Yesterday, I got to experience Arthur Ashe Kids Day at the US Open for the very first time. You can’t believe how many families attend this amazing celebration of tennis and how many different activities are going on around the grounds throughout the day!
There are booths with face painting, balloon animals, and other kid-friendly events. Several of the outer courts are filled with the pros playing a variety of tennis-themed games with the kids. Inside Arthur Ashe stadium, the entertainment is focused around the preteen set with musical acts, dancing, and award presentations. And, of course, all around the grounds the players are practicing and preparing for their first match of the tournament, so there are plenty of photo and autograph opportunities for the fans.
After getting a quick lay of the land, I spent some time inside Interview Room 1 where USTA president David Haggerty and former player (and current Director At Large of USTA) Chanda Rubin presented the 2014 Junior Sportsmanship Award to CiCi Bellis (who, as a result of winning the National Hardcourts in San Diego earlier this month, received a wildcard into the Main Draw of the Open) and Aron Hiltzik. Following the award presentation, the player interviews began, starting with Novak Djokovic then Roger Federer, Victoria Azarenka, Serena Williams, Andy Murray, Milos Raonic, Simona Halep, Genie Bouchard, and Grigor Dimitrov.
But, my priority was getting out to the practice courts to watch Noah Rubin have a hit. I had the opportunity to sit with Noah’s mom and sister as he practiced on the court with Donald Young. In the clips below, you will hear from Melanie and Jessie Rubin along with Shelia Townsend (Taylor’s mom) and Ilona Young (Donald’s mom) about what it’s like watching your child achieve their life-long dream.
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