Children were the focus of the U.S. Open excitement on Saturday, August 28 as they participated in many tennis-related activities during Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day.
This day marked the event’s 15th year and included interactive activities, a stadium show and even a chance to meet some of the tennis players.
“They do a great job with everything,” Long Island resident Amy Yorio said of the event.
Yorio brought her daughters, 22-month-old Lila and 5-year-old Drea, because Drea has started taking tennis lessons. She described tennis as a great activity and said that Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day is a fun day for them.
“I think kids should be more active, and it encourages them to be more active,” she said.
Michelle Lomoaco, of New Jersey, brought her 5-year-old daughter Ava for the first time this year. She said that Ava has also recently started taking tennis lessons.
Ava said her favorite part about the sport is hitting the tennis balls. She said she was having fun at Kids’ Day and liked getting to take her picture with the SpongeBob and Patrick characters.
Jack Sock, who is making his U.S. Open debut this year in the men’s singles, said that he thinks it’s great for the children to be able to come out and play some tennis. He started playing tennis when he was eight and said that it’s important to pick up any sport and be active.
In addition to taking pictures with fans, Sock played on some of the courts with the kids.
“Some of the kids I played were really good,” Sock said, adding that he really enjoyed participating in Kids’ Day.
Other tennis players who took part in the day were Rafael Nadal, Andy Roddick, Kim Clijsters, Novak Djovic, Roger Federer and Melanie Oudin. Celebrities such as The Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato, David Archuleta and Nick Cannon also were part of the stadium show.
Cannon said that he wanted to participate because of the “incredible” legacy of Arthur Ashe, who won Wimbledon in 1975, among other tennis achievements. Ashe also dedicated time to helping children, and was a founder of the National Junior Tennis and Learning network, along with Charlie Pasarell and Sheridan Snyder.
“American Idol” alum Archuleta said that said he thinks it’s great to be able to participate in an event like Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day and help kids become more active. He also said he’s tried to play tennis a little bit himself, although he’s “not that great” at it just yet.
“But it’s [tennis] really fun,” Archuleta said. “It’s a sport that really anyone can take a stab at. Everyone can start somewhere with it and have a good time with it.”
