American Irina Falconi, vying for a spot in the 2014 US Open main draw, writes to us from bustling New York City this week. Today, she welcomes fans to the city that never sleeps and rewrites a classic jingle. Follow her adventures here and on Twitter at @IrinaFalconi!

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TENNIS OF THE YEEEEAR

With the ball kids all throwing

And everyone’s telling you, “We’ll be there to cheeeeeeer”

It’s the most wonderful tennis of the year

It’s the hap-happiest Slam, of them allllllll

With those Labor Day greetings, and great sponsor meetings

When the refs make close callllls,

It’s the hap-happiest US Open OF ALLLLL!

—

Did that really just happen? Did I really just grab a classic Christmas jingle and make it into the best US Open jingle of all time?

Yeah, I think that just happened. :-D

US Open 2014 … The Slam of America. The pinnacle of where dreams come true according to Alicia Keys and Jay-Z. This is truly the concrete jungle when it comes to Flushing Meadows.

This year proves to be an exciting year for us players. And for the wonderful and faithful fans that hope to relish in the exciting new amenities that make the US Open, it is THE most fan friendly Slam out there.

A new practice court viewing facility has been added to the site, which has made it very similar to that of a college match feel. Fans can now watch some of the smaller courts, from an aerial view that allows them to watch more than 7 courts at a time.

There has also been a 12% prize money increase, which is fantastic for us players. Honestly, I feel that they have probably upped the security detail about 50% too because I have yet to walk 10 feet inside Arthur Ashe stadium without being asked for my credential. #secuhrity

Qualifying started yesterday, and let me tell you, for it being the first day of qualifying— Flushing Meadows was pretty packed. It’s great to know that fans of all ages can come out to the qualifying rounds for free; they can watch high quality matches, as well as the top players practicing and gearing up for the main draw that starts on August 25.

Speaking of top players, one of our greatest champions won’t be attending this year due to a wrist injury that has him out for almost two months. Defending champ, Rafael Nadal, won’t be making a New York appearance this year – which saddens a lot of people that will miss out on seeing him change his shirt every couple of games. #shame

Anyway friends, today was a great day to start the US Open conquest with a win on Show Court 17. Always feels good to come back home. <3

From NYC, with lots of love,

Irina

(Photos: Mike Lawrence/usopen.org)