Other Than the U.S. Open, Which Tournament...

[NolaOne]

is the best to attend in the U.S.

September is pretty much a no travel month for me because of my work load that time of year. I really want to attend a pro tournament here in the states, but I'm not sure which other tournaments offer the best fan experience.

I'm looking for a tourny where most, or all of the top players will be. One that is located in a nice region of the country and one that offers a top quality fan experience.

Thanks in advance...

[YouJaySoup]

Hmm,try the Cincinnati Masters? It's a Masters event and held just before the US Open,almost if not all the top players will be regularly playing Cincy.

Or if you want tournaments that are not close to the US Open,try the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami or Indian Wells in March. Both are the largest Masters events and always have the biggest draw and top attractions there.

[ManuGinobili]

Originally Posted by NolaOne

where most, or all of the top players will be. One that is located in a nice region of the country

Just go to Florida at a non-Grand-Slam time

[Lsmkenpo]

I second Cincinnati if your goal is to see the top players play, and practice up close and personal. You can sit front row at nearly every match that is not in the main stadium with any ticket. The practice courts allow you to get just a few feet away from the players.

[DNShade]

Indian Wells. Great venue - all the players are there - just the basic day pass gets you many different matches and really close seats and wonderful access to the practice courts. Plenty of hotels and resorts and excellent weather.

[BoomerangX]

Originally Posted by DNShade

Indian Wells. Great venue - all the players are there - just the basic day pass gets you many different matches and really close seats and wonderful access to the practice courts. Plenty of hotels and resorts and excellent weather.

I really hope I can visit this year. Is it expensive?

[DNShade]

Originally Posted by BoomerangX

I really hope I can visit this year. Is it expensive?

No - compared to other events - not at all. Very reasonable prices. Go early on the first weekend or the first few days and you'll be able to see pretty much everyone play and practice. All kinds of different levels of hotels too - from top of the line resorts to budget motels. Great places to play and hit in the area as well. Let me know if you do make it out there and we'll say hi. I also have pretty tight ins with Rafa, (and some of the other Spaniards) and Nalbandian and a few other guys. Should be a fun time.

[clayman2000]

Indian Wells. Good matches on outdoor courts, women if you like watching Sharapova etc.

Its also good because of its time. Players are not burned out, having played at the most only 2 tournies the last 1.5 mths. But they are also not rusty with Davis Cup the week before

[Tennis_Monk]

The answer is very easy depending on what you are looking for.
If you want to look at all the pro's, you have to pick the USOpen or one of the masters events (Indian wells, Cincinati, Miami).

If you want closer access to few of the top players, try Memphis or Washington.

If you want closer access to players outside of Top 5, I recommend Pilot Pen (New haven) followed by Houston,sanjose,Delraybeach , Eastbourne)

Generally Practice courts are the best kept secret in Tennis. one is not going to interact much with players on main stadium. If one were to scout at practice courts, they are more likely to get autographs, pics and some good lessons in Tennis on how to practice and warmup. Ofcourse a Can of tennis balls, a broken racquet, a sweat t-shirt are some of my prized posessions and My personal experiences are so great with this appraoch that i rarely watch matches in main stadium and stick around at practice courts.

[dlk]

Bumping Cincy (surrounding attractions cool)