Bright Lights, Big Noise 🎾🗽

Did you figure out the emojis at the end of yesterday’s post?

Tennis in New York! It’s the US Open, and it’s the final Major of the tennis year (that means one of the four biggest tournaments).

Today, we’re talking about what makes it different and what to expect this year. And maybe we’ve got a little surprise, too.

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Before we dive in…

You’re probably asking: Did Cal Raleigh hit another home run yesterday?

🎥 Yep, he sure did. Want to see it?

We better check the record books. Raleigh is now:

• The second switch-hitter in MLB history to hit 50 home runs in a single season. He joins Yankees legend Mickey Mantle, who hit 54 in 1961. (A switch-hitter can bat both right- and left-handed.)

• The first player in MLB history to hit at least 20 right-handed home runs and 20 left-handed home runs in a season.

• The eighth player in MLB history to reach 50 home runs before the end of August.

30 games left. Go, Cal, go!

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Okay, on to tennis!

At the Australian Open, players battle the summer heat in Melbourne. ☀️

Heat at the Australian Open; image courtesy TNT Sports

At the French Open, the red clay in Paris makes for long, back-and-forth rallies. 🧱

Red clay at the French Open; image courtesy The Washington Post

At Wimbledon, it’s all about traditions like white clothes and quiet crowds. Oh, and strawberries and cream on the side. 🍓🥛

Snacking at Wimbledon; image courtesy Ripe London

But in New York?

The US Open is loud, exciting, and sometimes wild. Trains rumble behind the stadium, music blares during breaks, and fans cheer like they’re at an NBA game. 🎶

Screaming in New York; image courtesy The New York Times

It’s tennis, but with New York’s fun personality.

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So what should we expect on the court? Let’s start with the defending champs. 🏆

Both of last year’s winners are back. And guess what? They’re both ranked #1 in the world right now.

That’s Jannik Sinner on the men’s side.

Sinner’s 2024 win; image courtesy US Open

And Aryna Sabalenka on the women’s side.

Sabalenka’s 2024 win; image courtesy US Open

The first few days of a Major usually don’t bring the biggest fireworks.

The very best players usually face opponents who aren’t ranked as high. They’re still good… so upsets can happen!

But the real drama builds as the tournament continues and the stars begin playing each other.

By September 6 and 7, we’ll be down to the finals. That’s when we see who lifts the trophy in New York.

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The idea of super loud tennis fans got us thinking…

And then we kept thinking… who else besides New Yorkers could take tennis to a whole new level?

🎥 How about some Texas-style tennis trick shots?!

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Some Wimbledon fans probably dropped their strawberries in shock. 🍓😲

But if this is tennis in 2025… we’re all in. 🙌🎉

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