To the Big Apple

After a couple weeks at home catching up, Maria flew to New York to prepare for the US Open.

She visited the USTA Billie Jean National Tennis Center on Saturday to pick up her credentials and take a look at the Arthur Ashe Kids Day, which has been running now for 19 years and attracts thousands of people.

On Arthur Ashe Stadium, speakers boomed with music from chart-topping performers, and the grounds of the US Open played host to a variety of entertainment options and tennis-related fun.

The show featured Grammy-nominated country singer Hunter Hayes, breakout duo MKTO, girl group McCLAIN, British boy band The Vamps and teen sensation Madison Beer.

On the court, top players including defending US Open champion Serena Williams and former US Open champions Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, last year’s US Open finalist Victoria Azarenka and rising American Jack Sock, all of who tested their skills in fun on-court contests to raise money for charity.

Murray and Williams tied for first place in the skills challenge with a Youth Tennis participant from the National Junior Tennis & Learning network.

Between youth tennis clinics and games for the younger players to an obstacle course and a beat-the-pro challenge, Kids’ Day had something for all attendees.

“It was quite something to see,” said Maria. “I’ve never managed to get to Kids Day before and I can see how successful it is.”

On the newly re-modelled Court 5, Nike Tennis invited budding American stars Madison Keys and Stefan Kozlov and international standouts Nick Kyrgios and Lucie Safarova to participate in boys vs. girls doubles.

Fans had the chance to see their favourite players thanks to the new viewing area that lines the practice courts, while Louis Armstrong Stadium, the Grandstand and Court 17 all held practices for the game’s top players.

“It’s a great day out for them all!”

Maria also had a chance to touch base with Wilson, who have a store on the grounds, where she met Chris Kushner.

“I’ve played most of my life with Wilson racquets and this year I am celebrating 50 years since I won my third US title at Forest Hills,” she said.

“I wanted to show them the feature in MIT Revista [click HERE] and my website so they can see I have always promoted Wilson.

“Its also their anniversary this year – 100 years since Wilson started so we should be celebrating together!”