No Longer My Racquet…

Andre Agassi, Ted Robinson, John McEnroe
Andre Agassi, Ted Robinson, John McEnroe photo:pressdemocrat.com

I’ve got no balls…anymore.

I am experiencing U.S .Open withdrawal.

I am glued to all the tennis matches on TV, emotionally reminiscing about all the multitude of years I spent as On Air Booth Manager at the U.S. Open.

They were long days and I never stopped, but I adored my posse of John McEnroe, Ted Robinson, Mary Carillo, Jim Courier, Mary Jo Fernandez, Dick Enberg, Tracy Austin, Bill Macatee, etc.

Hangin’ at Arthur Ashe for two weeks was demanding yet spectacular.

Trump’s suite was next door. I had to assist his overworked, underpaid, aged butler who was there everyday working by himself devoid of schedules, adult beverages and information.

Trump would show up and pontificate and Melania would pose with Barron.

He was obviously rehearsing for the HUGE stage he is now performing on.

Celebrities did drive bys at the booth daily and for the most part, were interesting, undemanding  and entertaining.

There were a few dicks, but I am a publicist with long term memory loss.

I loved feeding Mario Batali, getting hair advice from Frederic Fekkai, Sex In the City news from Kim Cantrell, political intrigue from politicians, tennis tips from former and active players and style pointers from Vera Wang.

The best was when NY Giants and NY Yankees showed up.

That was in my wheelhouse.

Kate Hudson was fabulous and one year was dating A-Rod so it was sports talk time at the Open.

Times change.

ESPN took over and hospitality, talent priorities and caring disappeared as quickly as Ryan Lochte’s, “It Happened In Rio” escapade.

But, all in all, it was a long lasting, memorable love match.

US-Open

 

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