What: Tennis: US Open
Arthur Ashe Stadium, centre court at the US Open
Where: Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows, New York
When: August 31-September13, 2009
Why: The final grand slam of the year and, like golf's equivalent, many Americans feel it's the most important.
Wimbledon has its tradition, its formality and a unique atmosphere that make it a beloved annual event. The US Open is just as special for so many other reasons, not least the electric atmosphere generated by a New York crowd during a night session inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, the biggest purpose-built tennis arena in the world with a 22,547 capacity.
The centre court it replaced, Louis Armstrong Stadium, and the adjacent Grandstand stadium also make for fine show courts while the colour on court is matched by the loud music that kicks in during breaks in play.
Roger Federer is back as the five-time defending champion in a stacked field that includes new world number two Andy Murray and arch rival Rafael Nadal while Andy Roddick will be the chief recipient of the noisy support afforded all American players.
On the women's side of the tournament Serena Williams defends her title as the second seed, with sister Venus seeded third and on course to meet her younger sibling in the semis. On the Russian dominated other half of the draw, top seed Dinara Safina will attempt to live up to her much disputed (by Serena, at least) number one ranking and land her first grand slam title, with former champ Maria Sharapova, French Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova and Olympic gold medallist Elena Dementieva all potential semi-final opponents.
Throw in a real buzz outside the show courts, complemented by a great food court, bars and big screens to watch the tennis from and you get a cracking event at which to say goodbye to the sporting summer, all within easy access of the bright lights and sparkling sights of Manhattan.
GETTING THERE: The National Tennis Center is in the borough of Queens at Flushing Meadows, approximately 10 miles east of Manhattan's Times Square.
For in-depth information and advice on the best ways to get to New York, how to get from the airport into Manhattan and where to stay once you get there, click here for our Best Sporting Cities section and you'll find our general guide to New York City.
If you're staying in Manhattan during US Open week, by far the most sensible way to get to Flushing Meadows is by public transportation.
On the subway, take the 7 train from 42 St-Times Square or Grand Central Station to Mets-Willets Point (the fare is $2.25) and don't be alarmed when you see the baseball team's new Citi Field stadium on your left, the National Tennis Center is on your right and just a couple of minutes' stroll along the boardwalk. Journey time is approximately 30 minutes.
Even closer to the action is the the Long Island Rail Road station now known as Mets-Willets Point (1-718-217-5477).
Take the Port Washington Branch line from the central Manhattan terminus at Penn Station to Mets-Willets Point, and you will be poured out of the train 17 minutes later and just a minute's walk from the main gates.
LIRR tickets cost from $6.50 at peak times and $4.50 off-peak for a one-way trip from Penn.
If you must drive, either from Manhattan or elsewhere, be prepared for heavy traffic at all times. The US Open may be served by two major roads in the I-495 Long Island Expressway and Grand Central Parkway but both routes are congested with commuter traffic.
Regardless, here are the directions from Manhattan: Take the RFK Bridge (formerly Triborough) to the Grand Central Parkway East. Exit the Grand Central Parkway East at Exit 9E – I-678/RT-25A East/Northern Boulevard East. Stay to the left and follow to the Van Wyck Expressway South. Exit the Van Wyck Expressway South at Exit 12A – College Point Blvd. Follow signs to US Open Parking.
And by the way, once you get there, official parking (at Citi Field) will cost you $18.
;)
GETTING IN: Season and mini-plan tickets for the 2009 US Open are sold out but tickets remain for some individual sessions, including the men's final on Sunday, September 13, when we last checked the official website on August 30, the eve of the tournament.
And if you don't want to miss out for 2010, nail down some seats early with a season ticket deposit which you can order online at USOpen.org. For more info, contact the Ticket Office at +1 718-760-6200, menu option #1.
EATING OUT IN QUEENS:
Of course Manhattan remains the epicentre for dining well in New York City but with so many different ethnicities making up the population of Queens, there are plenty of cuisines to choose from in close proximity to Flushing Meadows.
A huge Hispanic community in the nearby Corona and Jackson Heights neighbourhoods, bustling Chinatowns and Koreatowns in Flushing, a plethora of Indian restaurants, also in Jackson Heights, Greek taverna in Astoria and Irish pubs in Woodside give you an idea of what's on offer.
Not for nothing is the 7 train known by many as the “international express”.
Donovans, 57-24 Roosevelt Ave, Woodside, NY 11377 (tel: +1 718 429-9339)
Don't be fooled by the unfancy exterior or equally unglamorous interior of this corner Irish pub, Donovan's serves by common consensus the best burgers in Queens. We've tried the juicy half pounders with the steak-cut fries and we're yet to be disappointed. Nearest subway is the 7 at Woodside-61st Street
El Sitio, 68-28 Roosevelt Ave, Woodside, NY 11377 (tel: +1 718 424-2369)
Another Woodside gem, this time a Cuban diner at 69th Street. Try the sandwich, a delicious blend of prosciutto, roast pork, pickle, mustard and Swiss cheese.
Kyedong, 150-54 Northern Blvd., Flushing, NY 11354 (tel: +1 718 358-8300)
So you thought KFC stood for Kentucky Friday Chicken? Think again in Flushing's Koreatown, where, free of the US chain's cardiac-arrest-inducing batter, these chucks are saucy, if sometimes pricey delights. Kyedong is an American outpost of a Korean chain and coats its wings and legs in a variety of sauces, including an incredibly hot one. Nearest subway: The 7 train's end of the line at Flushing-Main Street
There is also a great Thai restaurant somewhere between Jackson Heights and Woodside but we can't quite remember where! If you have any good tips, please let us know!!!!!
Event website: http://www.usopen.org/