Quote:
Originally Posted by DOOM
Any reason why that the majority of fans seem to be cheering for Nishikori?
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Dont mean to single out your post but I thought I would you use this as a jumping off point.
I just got back from New York last night. This is probably as good a place as any to share my story.
My brother and I arrived last Monday at 7pm. Seeing that Raonic would be the second match that night we picked up tickets on our layover in TO. We knew we had to go just in case we couldnt catch him later in the week. With Bouchard and Pop out there was no risking missing seeing a Canadian. By 830 we were in Ashe catching the last set of the Azarenka/Krunic match. It was a great finish and the crowd was really in it. But for us it was all about the next match. The crowd thinned out as the match went late which gave us a chance to move down. This was the first live match I have ever seen. Just awesome. To get to the quoted post I would say on my anecdotal evidence the late crowd was very clearly mostly Japanese who had come out specifically to watch Kei, rather than neutral fans cheering for the underdog. Although I would agree with the other posters that the crowds there do generally like the underdog if its not an American, or one of the top players in the match. Such a tough finish for Milos. The match ended at 2:26am, tied for the latest at a US Open. Before the last set we went to get another round of beers and the vendor was surprised we weren't leaving.
On Tuesday we had row one tickets on Armstrong. It was a great day of matches. First was the Williams sisters and Makarova/Vesnina. Very cool to see them up close and awesome to have reserved row one tickets as the pro american crowd rushed the stadium. The sisters looked off most of the match, and quite fitting Serena ended with the double faults. Next up was Cilic/Simon. What a battle! Cilic's box was directly below us (we were on the end, and the box is right in the corner). It was interesting to watch the interaction between Cilic and his box. And of course we got to see his coach Ivenisevic up close. After that match was Berdych/Thiem. Berdych was clearly in charge and Thiem looked like a teenager! Despite the mismatch Thiem showed some impressive skill. Maybe in a few years he will develop. The Bryan brothers were scheduled for armstrong but got moved to grandstand as the matches were taking so long. Last point for that day; Did I ever meet the New York climate. It was hot, humid and I got burned. The crowd would cheer when the sun briefly went behind a cloud. I was sweating in the seats, cant imagine what the players felt.
We took a break on Wednesday to take in the Manhattan sites, including the 9/11 museum and club seats for the Yankees. For all you foodies out there I met Tom Colicchio at the game. I am terrible at recognizing faces but instantly knew it was him, I guess that says where my priorities are, lol. He was pleasant and we had a short conversation up the wrap up of filming for the upcoming Top Chef Boston season.
Thursday was back to flushing meadows for the day session at Ashe. This was our chance to see the Bryans against Ram/Lipsky. I am not as big a fan of the doubles game but from a stadium viewer perspective the quick action is entertaining. And once again the pro american crowd was really into it. Next up was Cilic/Berdych. No doubt, I came away from the week with an appreciation for Cilic. Just outstanding. The grounds there are great. Lots to do, see, and the food options were plenty. A very interactive experience for tennis fans.
Friday was back in to Manhattan, with a trip to the Statue of Liberty in order. I am not normally into the touristy stuff but it was very surreal to be so close to such an iconic spot that we have seen in so many pictures. Next we took a stroll through the financial district, which I enjoyed as I work in that industry. And for lunch we made our way to Lombardies, the oldest pizza shop in NY, for some great pizza and some local beer. The night was back at Yankees stadium for a great pitching dual against KC.
Saturday was the end of our trip and we flew back into Western Canada. Did I ever enjoy getting out of the airport into the dry heat. I cant say enough how hot/humid NY was.
Hope you enjoyed my story! If you have any questions about the specific matches let me know. I will answer best I can.
