On Aug. 29, seniors Kaitlyn Parson, Melody Weng and Allie Frederick traveled by coach bus to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center for the 145th US Open in New York. Through the Julian Krinsky School of Tennis, which is based at the Gulph Mills Tennis Club, they practiced on official tournament courts and watched various professional matches.
“It was just surreal, honestly. It was a little nerve-wracking because there were people watching you run around and play tennis,” Parson said. “But when you’re standing there and you’re looking out into the crowd and there’s a cameraman coming around, it was like, ‘Wow. We’re really here,’ and that’s really cool.”
In addition to their time practicing on the court, the group spectated both singles and doubles matches, including men’s sixth-ranked Ben Shelton’s match against French player Adrian Mannarino. For Weng, the doubles tournaments stood out the most.
“I have the most fun watching doubles because that’s where you actually see a ton of the strategy because they have to communicate, and there’s a lot a lot more to do when you have an actual partner with you,” Weng said. “I definitely enjoy watching doubles more, and it’s kind of easier to pick up on the strategies and how to learn from how they play.”
Parson believes her own experience as a tennis player gave her a different perspective in the stands compared to casual fans. She notes her background in tennis allowed her to pick up on technical choices and the resilience needed in professional matches.
“If you’re not a tennis player, you don’t know the kind of mentality,” Parson said. “If you’re down extreme the first set and (you’re losing), it’s so easy to get back up and come back and win. I think you just appreciate the points more because you can analyze their shots.”
Parson and Weng, who are doubles partners for Conestoga, emphasized that watching professional matches in the US Open was a learning experience that they hope to carry into their own games. The pair walked away with specific takeaways they hope to apply to their technique and training.
“It was really cool to go in there and watch women’s doubles play. We learned that in doubles, coaching is really important,” Parson said. “I need my serve to be a little more powerful, and Mel (Weng) needs hers to be a little more consistent. So, I think we both learned a little there too.”
For both, the trip reinforced the importance of tennis in their lives. Parson appreciates how the experience opened her eyes to professional tournaments and ways she can apply the same focus into her own matches.
“It’s really cool to get to have that kind of opportunity to go to something like that,” Parson said. “Tennis is definitely a lifelong sport, and it’s super fun and it’s a huge part of our lives, so it’s super fun to go and watch them play, and you can get tips on how to better your game from watching the pros.”
Alex Carder can be reached at [email protected].
Lily Chen can be reached at [email protected].
