From nights out in trendy Brooklyn to taking in the iconic skyline of Manhattan, New York holds plenty of fond memories for Cameron Norrie.
The British lefty returns to the Big Apple this year for his eighth appearance at the US Open and will open his campaign Monday against Sebastian Korda. Before the action, Norrie discussed what he enjoys most about the season’s final Grand Slam event and the bustling city in the ATP Tour's ‘My US Open’ series.
What is your first memory of watching the US Open?
I think I just remember watching Andy Murray a lot and trying to picture what it would be like to play there. That was kind of where I had my head at.
Tell us about your memories of playing the US Open for the first time.
I had just come out of college and I was in the qualifying. I managed to qualify and I remember I qualified on the Friday afternoon and I went with my coach to a rooftop bar and we had a beer and I was like, ‘Wow,’ this unreal feeling to qualify for my first Slam, and then being in Manhattan enjoying a beer with my coach. It was one of those surreal moments, so it's definitely a special Slam for me.
What about the venue itself? What stood out the first time you were on site?
It's a zoo out there. I love the atmosphere and obviously you've got the city to escape from the venue, so it's two things to look forward to: Getting away from the city and then going to the amazing venue, where it's an amazing atmosphere. The courts I really like and I get a lot of college support from TCU there and then at the end of the day you're going back into the city and you can really change your mind from the tournament. So it's an amazing tournament.
What about the city itself? Any special areas you like?
I like all of New York City. I have just such a good feeling there. I feel like you can be yourself and no one thinks anything. I met my girlfriend there, who I'm still together with and she lived there a long time, so it's kind of her home. It's a special place for us and all of her friends still live there. I really like hanging out in Brooklyn. It's probably my favourite area, and Williamsburg—good coffee, good restaurants there. And I really like the view of the Manhattan skyline from Brooklyn.
If you could plan a perfect non-tennis day in New York City, what would that look like?
I would say going for a run in Central Park and hanging out in Central Park a little bit and then maybe getting the train to Williamsburg to have some lunch there. Relax in the afternoon and then maybe hit a bar in the evening. Sunset time in Brooklyn and then maybe go to the Brooklyn Mirage on a night out.
Have you used the subway much? Does it work well for you?
I feel good there. I always take the subway. A few times I'm taking the subway to go to the tennis, especially the first couple days when it can be tough with the traffic. I always have a good feeling being on public transport, feeling just like another person and listening to music and watching other people. There's some good viewing on the subway, seeing people grinding and how they're going about their lives. They're on their own kind of mission for the day. So I really like it.
Read the full Cameron Norrie Q&A, the latest installment of ATPTour.com's 'My US Open' series.
