While the East End is well known for its historic golf courses, the area is equally noted for the game of tennis going back to the late-19th century. It’s even still played in proper all white attire on grass courts at the exclusive Maidstone Club in East Hampton and the Meadow Club in Southampton.
As well, professional tennis players have enjoyed spending time here. For most, it’s just a place to relax and get out of the public eye. Players like John and Patrick McEnroe, Roger Federer, Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Mats Wilander, and Paul Annacone are some of those who have spent a good chunk of time out here.
But early on the morning of Sept. 2, a group of recreational players from East Hampton Indoor Tennis (EHIT) hopped aboard a westbound Hampton Jitney to take in the action at the U.S. Tennis Open in Flushing Meadows to see the current crop of the world’s finest players, a ritual many have repeated for years.
“I think my first U.S. Open was back in 1975 when it was still held at Forest Hills,” recalled Mark Sussman of East Hampton, while sitting at Grandstand stadium watching a match between Caty McNally and Emma Navarro. “I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve attended the event. It’s just a lot of fun watching the best in the world compete.”
Sussman plays tennis several times a week to stay in shape, and for the camaraderie on the court. “It’s a great sport to play and watch live,” he added. “I’ve made many friends over the years while playing.”
Anthony Liberatore of Wainscott has attended the Open almost every year. “I’ve been to dozens and dozens,” he said. “I started going in the mid-1980s and it’s always a thrill to be here.”
Mr. Liberatore plays tennis upward of five days a week at EHIT. He also moonlights singing and playing guitar in the Dog Watchers, an East End cover band that plays classic rock, Americana, and indie hits. But tennis was his main focus last Wednesday.
“It never gets old,” he added. “It’s always fun.”
For Howard Lanznar of East Hampton, roaming the various courts to catch the action with his wife, Gail, and their two grandchildren, Owen and Oliver, was a treat.
“The kids were really looking forward to this day,” he said. “It’s such a great atmosphere here.”
Unlike at Maidstone and the Meadow Club, there are no grass courts at the U.S. Open. It’s all played on hard asphalt, which provides a medium-fast, predictable ball bounce, whereas grass provides for a much faster, lower, and slicker bounce that usually results in shorter points. An asphalt court is also significantly cheaper to maintain than finicky grass.
No matter the surface of the court, and despite a two-hour rain delay in the early afternoon, spirits were not dampened.
“It’s so much fun being here,” said Chad Johnson of East Hampton, who was spending two days at the tournament with his wife, Molly. The couple play several times a week at EHIT throughout the year. “The bit of rain did not bother us. We just went into Armstrong Stadium where there is a roof and saw some great tennis.”
