by Marilla Mulwane

Created on: September 01, 2010

The US Open, at the Billie Jean King Tennis Center, is one of the best sporting events in the country. At a cheap price, visitors can spend an entire day watching tennis matches being played on 18 courts. It definitely beats sitting in the living room watching matches on TV all day. Especially because of commercials, annoying commentators, and lack of choice in what matches you get to see. The US Open is an event all fans should experience.

After spending a day at the US Open 2010 in Flushing Meadows, here are a few lessons learned:

1) Rafael Nadal loves his fans.

When on the practice courts, many of the big name tennis players will request the courts on the far end. They don't want the peering crowds interrupting their practice. While this is understandable, Rafael Nadal is an exception to this rule. His is regularly seen practicing on the very first practice court in front of the wire fence. The crowds become massive, pictures are being snapped, fans are calling to him in English and Spanish, and Nadal keeps practicing. Fans are really respectful, too. There is no crying, screaming, begging for marriage like at a Justin Bieber concert. Fans watch him practice like an animal at the zoo. And Nadal doesn't seem to mind at all.

2) Billie Jean King is not as appreciative of her fans.

Sometimes they say that your biggest heroes always disappoint. Billie Jean King is a huge role model, and remains so today, but she has seemingly forgotten her fans. A very small group of fans watched King as she made a TV segment. This group was no larger than five people. One man stood ready with a book filled with autographs from players he had spent years collecting. There was nothing but admiration on his face as he waited for King to take that Sharpie. She didn't. Instead, she finished her segment, stood around for about ten minutes chatting with people she knew, and then walked away. Not even a wave or acknowledgement of that small group of fans. Fans who did not scream, call to her, or beg. They simply waited, stared in awe, and then went home.

3) There is no shade at the Billie Jean King USTA Tennis Center.

Sure, there are trees. There are tables with umbrellas. There are seats at the Grandstand in the shade. But, there are also huge crowds at the US Open. These crowds take up every nook and cranny that rests in shadow. On hot days, with temperatures up in the high 90s, there are few places to go to get out of the sun. Which brings us to number 4:

4) Hydration costs $4 at

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