US Open 2008 - A photo with rising tennis star, Caroline Wozniacki (DEN).

Comment

Comment by david on October 3, 2008 at 7:40pm

Seems like a lot of work to have your picture taken with someone.

Comment by Kevin on September 25, 2008 at 12:29pm

Hi Mark,

The way I see it... if I wanted to watch tennis, I'd stay at home in the comfort of my A/C, cushy sofa and big screen television. If I'm going to pay for a plane ticket, $60 for admission, $4 for bottled water (don't ask about the food costs) and endure the sun's blistering heat for 5-7 hrs, I want the "US Open experience" which I define as getting up close and personal with some of the talent!

So to answer your question, the secret to meeting tennis stars at the US Open is to:
1.) Position Yourself – Buy a ground pass ticket, but don’t waste time sitting in the cramped seats at Louis Armstrong Stadium or the Grandstand. The outer courts and doubles matches are the place to be!

2.) Luck – Pray that your favorite player(s) wins his/her match or that he/she is still nice enough to stick around for autographs and photo opportunities despite losing.

3.) Be Persistent – Want it more than everyone else. Begin lining up near the exit gates at least a few games before you think the match will end. Then politely (but loudly) call out the player’s name and ask for what you want to get his/her attention. Take advantage of how there are a lot of other people who want the same thing, but are too shy to ask.

Tennis players typically snub the fans when they lose and return to their locker room (but 2 of my pics were with players who lost, including Caroline). In addition, professional athletes will usually give priority to younger fans as they're suspicious adults will try to sell the signed memorabilia on EBay for a quick profit.

4.) Bring Backup – You need to go to the US Open with a friend to back you up, but more importantly, to take a good picture under pressure:)

Comment by Mark / The Mayor on September 25, 2008 at 9:32am

Hi Kevin - how did you get all these fantastic fotos with these pro players? did you have a special pass or are you just very persistent? :-)
M