For some, this Monday, August 31, marks the end of summer vacation. But for the most talented male and female tennis players on the current tour, this is even more true! Indeed, today marks the kickoff of the 2015 edition of one of the sport’s most legendary tournaments: the US Open. Here are some quick details for your next language and tennis trip with LEC.
Remarkable longevity
Today, the US Open kicks off its 134th edition —few tournaments, across all sports, can boast such longevity! In fact, the US Open tennis tournament was founded in 1881. At the time, it was still known as theU.S. National Championships , and Richard Sears emerged victorious in the men’s competition. Women were not yet invited to participate in the competition.
Live from Flushing Meadows
The US Open is often referred to, by metonymy, by the park where it is held: Flushing Meadows. The park is located in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens, which you may have the opportunity to visit during an upcoming language study trip to New York.
One of the four Grand Slam tournaments
The US Open, as you will no doubt be reminded during your tennis language study trip, is one of the four Grand Slam tournaments. The others are:
- the Australian Open
- the French Open, commonly known as Roland Garros
- Wimbledon
The greatest champions of the US Open tennis tournament
The US Open tennis tournament—not to be confused with the US Open golf tournament—features annual competitions in both men’s and women’s singles and doubles (including same-sex and mixed doubles). Among the tournament’s greatest champions are:
- Molla Bjurstedt, the most successful player in the competition, ahead of Chris Evert and Serena Williams
- Richard Sears and Roger Federer, winners of 7 and 5 consecutive titles, respectively