Since I was a little girl, tennis has been one of my greatest passions. I used to follow the Grand Slam tournaments on TV, and the US Open was always the most exciting one for me. The energy, the New York setting, and the late-night matches made it feel unique. For years, I dreamed of sitting in the stands and watching the best players in the world compete live.
When I found out I was moving to New York through the Architect US program, attending the US Open instantly became one of the things I most looked forward to. Last year, the timing couldn’t have been more ironic. The tournament started just as I arrived in the city. Between unpacking, starting my new job, and adapting to my new life, I had no chance to go. I promised myself I wouldn’t miss it the following year.
This summer, I finally made it. Walking into the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows was an overwhelming experience. The place is huge, with dozens of courts and a lively atmosphere everywhere you go. But nothing compares to stepping inside the Arthur Ashe Stadium, the largest tennis stadium in the world. Sitting there, surrounded by thousands of fans, and watching a match unfold on that iconic court felt surreal.
What surprisedme the most was the intensity in the air. Every point, no matter how early in the tournament, was celebrated with passion. I felt the same excitement I used to feel as a child watching on TV, but multiplied by the fact that I was really there.
For me, attending the US Open wasn’t just about watching tennis. It was about fulfilling a childhood dream and realizing how far I’ve come since moving to New York.
