There is nothing quite like the US Open experience. No other event provides fans with the large doses of daily drama and unparalleled excitement that annually define the Flushing fortnight. In this series, we offer some first-hand takes on those things that make the US Open experience so special.
Award-winning actor Alessandro Nivola is the star of the upcoming film "The Many Saints of Newark," the highly anticipated feature film prequel to the popular HBO television series "The Sopranos." The film opens Oct. 1.
There is no parallel to the US Open men’s final in 2019. One of the best matches I’ve ever seen live. Daniil Medvedev was unpredictable that year, breaking through as a top player. He seemed to be asleep for the first two sets against Rafael Nadal, and then suddenly, he came alive to make it a five-set match and one for the ages.
One of Rafa’s all-time most gritty performances. I can’t forget the moment when he won. He laid down on the court completely spent, not far from my view. After he sat down in his chair, there was so much emotion on his face; it was so profound. It really looked like he was going to cry. Just one of the most incredible experiences I’ve had, watching any kind of entertainment, sports or other.
The players make the US Open vibe so special. One of my fondest memories was arriving at Flushing Meadows in 2015 for the men’s quarters. I came whipping around a corner and I nearly slammed into Richard Gasquet, who was doing his pre-match warmup right there in the parking lot. I apologized profusely, then sat and watched him finish his routine before he would step onto Ashe to play none other than Roger Federer.
He was just alone out there, running in place with high knees, stretching his hamstrings, etc. It was like visiting an actor’s dressing room at a Broadway theater—you can’t believe this little dimly lit room is where the performers go when they exit out of the bright lights of the stage. I had a whole new appreciation for the hard work that these players put in behind the curtain of the biggest stage in the game—the US Open.
Pictured: Nivola and his wife, actress and director Emily Mortimer, at the 2019 US Open.
