‘Open’ season

Time for two of WAG country’s favorite sporting events – the US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens and the East Coast Open at Greenwich Polo Club.

It’s that time of year again, when the action heats up with tennis’ US Open and Greenwich Polo Club’s East Coast Open.

Fan Week is already underway at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens in anticipation of the US Open there (Aug. 26-Sept. 8).

The free week of fun includes the Qualifying Tournament, in which spectators may be watching the stars of tomorrow (through Friday, Aug. 23). Meanwhile, today’s stars will be on hand for practice sessions (today, Aug. 20 through Sunday, Aug. 25) as those of yesteryear participate in Legends Exhibition Matches (tomorrow, Aug. 21 through Friday, Aug. 23).

The next generation gets its due with Net Generation Kids’ Zone, which puts rackets in youngsters’ hands and sets them out on the courts.

But it’s not all fierce forehands and two-handed backhands. There are happy hours (today through Friday), concerts (tomorrow through Friday), a Queens Day salute to the borough that is home to the Open (tomorrow), a 5K Open Run (Thursday) and Open Pride (Thursday), an event in which former athletes and other notables will comment on the role of sports and, especially tennis, in and on the LGBTQ+ community. 

It all culminates in Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day (Saturday), with top stars, music and exhibitions in memory of Ashe, the pioneering African-American player and Armonk resident, before the tournament begins in earnest.

Meanwhile, Greenwich Polo Club previews its prestigious East Coast Open with a Black & White invite only party Friday, Aug. 23 at the elegantly rustic new CTC&G Polo Pub at Greenwich Polo Club, where the Fernet Branca is sure to flow. Everyone’s invited to the matches, which take place at 3 p.m. on three consecutive Sundays, Aug. 25, Sept. 1 and Sept. 8.

The last is the same day as the men’s final at the US Open.

What to do if you have tickets to both? A delightful dilemma.

For more, visit usopen.org, usta.com and greenwichpoloclub.com. And don’t forget to check out August WAG for more “Fascinating Pastimes” at wagmag.com.

– Georgette Gouveia

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