Tennis’ rising and established stars set to hit Long Island

New York has had a long history with tennis that dates back 104 years. It was then that the first U.S. National Championship’s (which would eventually become the U.S. Open) relocated from Newport, Rhode Island to Queens, New York. Ever since then, the top tennis players have made their way to the city each year, towards the end of the summer months, to compete in one of the sport’s biggest tournaments and Grand Slam.

Nowadays, New Yorkers have another opportunity to see live tennis action in their backyard through the New York Open, to be held at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale beginning this weekend. The event, which is part of the ATP World Tour’s 250 series, is one of only eleven men’s professional tennis tournaments currently held in the United States and the only one held indoors on black courts.

Presenting the New York Open Black Courts! This place looks amazing. #NYOpen @NYCBLive pic.twitter.com/WSway0Glna

— New York Open (@NewYorkOpen) February 9, 2018

It is the second edition of the tournament on Long Island since GF Sports, LLC relocated the pre-existing Memphis Open in Tennessee in March 2017.

28 singles players and 16 doubles teams will make up the respective draws, competing for more than $700,000 in total prize money.

Two of the three initial top seeds have withdrawn from the tournament. World number 5 and defending champion Kevin Anderson has been forced out of this year’s competition due to an elbow injury he sustained at the Australian Open last month.

“I’m sorry not to be returning to the New York Open this year to defend my title,” Anderson said in a statement. “The event kick-started my year in 2018 and I was very excited to return. Unfortunately, my elbow has been giving me problems since the Australian Open and I’m not yet back to full fitness. I wish the players and fans a great week of tennis. There’s a lot of talent in the field and I encourage anyone who can make the event to check it out. Hope to see you all next year.”

Young Aussie Alex de Minaur has also pulled out of the main draw because of an undisclosed injury.

Nevertheless, the tournament will feature an eclectic mix of both veteran and up-and-coming stars of the men’s circuit, with a heavy contingent of Americans playing on home soil.

The #1 seed is top-ranked American John Isner, who currently sits ninth in the rankings. The 6-10 North Carolina native, known for his booming serve, has won 14 career titles over his 12 year professional career.

Other Americans in the single’s main draw include last year’s finalist Sam Querrey, Jack Sock, Steve Johnson and Reilly Opelka. 22-year-old Merrick, Long Island native Noah Rubin is also expected to participate in his hometown tournament for the second straight year. However, his presence, too, is in doubt after pulling out of this week’s RBC Tennis Championships event in Dallas, Texas due to a left hip injury.

Another player to keep an eye on is young American Frances Tiafoe. The 30th-ranked player made a name for himself at last month’s Australian Open, winding his way to the quarterfinals of the year’s first Grand Slam. The 21-year old won last year’s Delray Beach Open in Florida.

The player field is 🔥! Check it out. pic.twitter.com/1WBGhmA25d

— New York Open (@NewYorkOpen) January 8, 2019

The doubles draw is led by arguably the greatest doubles team to have ever competed: the Bryan brothers. The identical twins are heavily decorated, having won over 100 titles together, 16 Grand Slam tournaments when paired, and two Olympic Medals (gold at the 2012 London games and a bronze at the Beijing summer games in 2008).

Our top 10 doubles teams have been announced and include the @Bryanbrothers, @Bryanbros, @JackSock, @ryanharrison92, and @SamQuerrey.

Will you be there at the black courts for the doubles action?

📜: https://t.co/C1bOyBItil
🎟️: https://t.co/ok09QDn8qx pic.twitter.com/XpR3n2Sm9u

— New York Open (@NewYorkOpen) January 31, 2019

Lleyton Hewitt, a former World number 1 in singles, will also take part in the doubles tournament. Hewitt came out of retirement last year, choosing to exclusively play in doubles tournaments.

Festivities get underway on Saturday with the second annual New York Tennis Expo at the Coliseum. This free event, running from 10:30 am- 4:30 pm, will feature events such as a panel discussion and clinics with ATP players and coaches, a fashion show, autograph sessions and activities for children. The ticketed kick-off event will begin at 6:00 pm with a VIP player party catered by celebrity Chef David Burke, followed by an exhibition matchup between tennis legends Jim Courier and Andy Roddick at 7:30 pm.

The official tournament gets underway Sunday morning with the qualifying rounds, with tennis action continuing every day through until the finals on Sunday February 17th at 2:00 pm.