By Joe Anuta
Monday’s finals at the 2012 US Open concluded two weeks of tennis, although fans found enjoyment on and off the court throughout the event.
Tennis enthusiasts sought out plenty of good food to compliment the intense matches going on at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, with concession stands providing choices above and beyond many other sporting events.
In the evening couples could be seen strolling through the crowd with champagne flutes — at $24 per glass — or swilling mojitos.
Ken Cui, of Woodhaven, brought his son Ryan, 9, to his first Open, and early in the tournament hoped to watch Russian Maria Sharapova, who eventually lost in the semifinals.
“We like the sport and the food is great,” said Cui, who has been to three Opens himself.
Cui recommended a lobster roll, available at both the Fulton Seafood booth and at the South Plaza Cafe near Arthur Ashe Stadium for $17.50.
Other offerings at the multiple concessions included Indian dishes, organic hamburgers, crepes or barbecue, among others.
Jon Weiss and his family were munching on burgers and fries after the women’s final Sunday.
“We always like the food at the Open,” he said, but called the prices “ridiculous.”
“They gave us an extra fry, I think because they felt bad for us,” he said, gesturing to a cup of waffle-cut, deep-fried potatoes on the table. “When the store feels sorry for you, you know the prices are too high.”
While not watching tennis, other Open-goers played interactive tennis video games at a booth sponsored by Emirates Airline, where flight attendants demonstrated how to complete a virtual serve.
At one point on Saturday the center was evacuated after a tornado touched down in Queens far from the courts.
On Sunday night, Serena Williams came from behind to defeat No. 1-ranked Belorussian Victoria Azarenka in a match that fomented the crowd into a frenzy as the American began narrowing the gap between them.
“Come on, Serena!” one fan yelled in the quiet between the action, receiving several scowls from nearby spectators.
The 31-year-old eventually vanquished Azarenka, nearly 10 years her junior in a 6-2, 2-6, 7-5 match that was the first women’s singles final in 17 years to go to three sets.
And rain delays pushed the men’s singles finals into Monday evening, when Scotsman Andy Murray defeated Serbian Novak Djokovic 7-6, 7-5, 2-6, 3-6, 6-2 in a match nearly five hours long, tying the record.
Reach reporter Joe Anuta by e-mail at januta@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4566.
