This week and next, thousands of people will get to watch the Australian Open in person, and you won’t. Hardly seems fair, does it?
On the other hand, Australia’s really far, and I’m guessing decent seats are kind of pricey. Plus, from what I see on television, there are a lot of bugs. I hate bugs.
So if you’re itching to see the pros play live, you might want to consider a trip to Long Island. From 2/9-2/17, the New York Open will be held at Nassau Colisseum in Uniondale, NY.
The New York Open is an ATP 250-level event. ATP 250 tournaments are the lowest level on the men’s tour, with only 250 ranking points awarded to the champion. (As mentioned in Monday’s post, Grand Slam tournament champions earn 2,000 ranking points.)
But that doesn’t mean you won’t see amazing tennis. According to the tournament website, Kevin Anderson, John Isner, Jack Sock and rising Australian star Alex de Minaur are among the pros committed to playing. On the doubles side, you can expect to see the Bryan brothers and Lleyton Hewitt. That’s some decent star wattage.
Front row, VIP tickets for the semi-finals go for $205 apiece, including food and beverages in the VIP lounge. (Try getting that deal at the U.S. Open.) But you don’t need to spend that much. New York Open ticket prices start at $25.50.
And if you don’t want to drive home after your day of tennis, you can stay at the Long Island Marriott, a five-minute walk from the Colisseum.
So who needs Australia with its 100-degree heat and pesky bugs? Scratch your tennis itch on wintry Long Island!