It’s the grace and poise of tennis that makes it magnetic. You hardly miss it: the grit of Roger Federer or the courage of Serena Williams. And there’s the upset: Novak Djokovic losing to Denis Istomin or Naomi Osaka beating Angelique Kerber. The attraction is likewise inescapable. Think of the 4.6 million viewers who sat to watch Serena Williams’ US Open final match, making it the most-watched tennis match in ESPN history.Â
Tennis has long been a lovely spectacle. Played on a rectangular court, two players use rackets to hit a ball back and forth. Basically, the goal is to win points by hitting the ball past your opponent’s courtside. Every point lasts only about ten seconds, so you never know who’ll win. But when you’re attending your first tennis tournament as a spectator, it can be a little intimidating. This post provides you with tips that make the whole process thoroughly enjoyable.
- Start With Getting Tickets
The first step is to get your tickets. You can buy your tennis tickets this season online or at the venue’s box office where the match is held. The price will depend on whether it’s an outdoor or indoor tournament, whether any big names are playing, and other factors.
You can buy individual tickets or a package, which usually comes with a discount. Many venues also offer special packages for children and seniors who want to attend a match with their families. The deal is to get your tickets early, enjoy the discounts (if any), and start your first spectacle on a solid foot.
- Take Advantage Of The Amenities
There are plenty of amenities to enjoy at the tennis tournament. You can bring a picnic lunch, or you can purchase food from vendors on-site. There may even be a vendor selling drinks, so you don’t have to go thirsty.
If you’re looking for an activity, check out the interactive games area. Don’t forget the free Wi-Fi as well. And there’s no shortage of beverages, including beer and wine. If you’re looking for something to drink while you watch, look no further than the concession stands. All of these are there to help you enjoy the event.
- Learn More About The Players
You’ll probably want to learn more about the players in advance. If any local players have been in the news recently, read up on their history. You should also check out some of the more famous players and their rivalries to see if they have any games coming up that you can watch live. This will help put things in perspective when it’s time for the tournament itself.
It’s also helpful to imagine yourself as one of the players at the tournament. You’d want to know all about them to prepare yourself for every possible situation during an actual match. This can help you get into the mindset of someone who is playing. Besides, it makes it easier for you to understand what they’re going through as they play.
- Network And Feel Among
You’ll be surrounded by some of the nicest people on earth. It’s true! Most of the people at these tournaments are there for the same reason: to cheer on their favorite athletes and teams and to catch up with friends they don’t see very often. This means you’ll find many opportunities to make new friends while enjoying the event.
Some people will initiate you into the fan clubs. It’s not uncommon for fan clubs to have their traditions and rituals. For example, some might have secret handshakes or phrases only members know about. If someone initiates you into their club, make sure you feel among them. If there are no fan clubs at your event yet, you can start one for your favorite athlete by convincing other spectators.
- Come Prepared For The Weather
The weather at tennis tournaments is unpredictable. It can be sunny and hot or rainy and cold, but it’ll always be unpredictable. Make sure you have a jacket or an umbrella, just in case. You don’t want to get caught unprepared when the weather changes on you.
If you’re going to be out in the sun all day, wear sunscreen. Also, don’t forget to bring water so you don’t get dehydrated. If it rains, make sure your clothing is waterproofed. Tennis spectators can sweat a lot during matches. If showers are available at the venue where you’re watching them play, take advantage of them.
Conclusion
So now you’ve got the tickets, and you know who’s playing. But there’s still a lot to do before enjoying your first tennis tournament as a spectator. Start by learning more about the players so that you can cheer for your favorites. Take advantage of the amenities, like food and drinks. Network and feel among by striking up conversations with other spectators. And come prepared for the weather—you don’t want to get caught in the rain.
ATP · Iga Swiatek · Novak Djokovic · US Open · WTA
