The US Open starts today and tennis fans around the world will be tuning into the action at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center to watch this generation’s most elite players compete.
One of the best tennis players of all time who made his career in the previous generation, Pete Sampras joined us to talk about his unique involvement in bringing a new and exciting experience to the fans of today’s global tennis environment.
Winner of 5 US Open titles, Sampras thrilled tennis fan at the US Open for more than a decade and knows what it feels like to play at Arthur Ashe Stadium, one of the most iconic tennis courts in the world.
In collaboration with American Express, Pete along with former US Open Women’s Champion Monica Seles and up-and-coming US talent Taylor Fritz are participating in the American Express Pro Walk to give tennis fans an immersive experience and an opportunity to feel what it’s like to walk from the locker room out onto the court of the newly-renovated Arthur Ashe Stadium.
“I wanted to be part of a fan experience and try to explain the emotions I went through during my career. We hope to bring the fans to feel the nerves and the excitement of walking onto the court,” said Sampras when we asked about him about the new initiative.
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“Tennis fans have so many ways to experience the games today, whether it’s streaming or attending the games, and I wanted – along with Monica and Taylor- to provide them with an up close and personal view of our experiences and transmit the sense of pride and joy of performing specifically at the US Open. For me, it was like the SuperBowl. The eyes of the world on you, and as a player it was always a thrill to perform in front of the fans at the US Open,” he explained.
With the help of Sampras and Seles, American Express is giving fans the opportunity to walk out into the revamped Arthur Ashe stadium. A fan experience has been created that combines replicas of the player locker room and tunnel, holograms of former US Open champions Pete Sampras and Monica Seles, three-dimensional sound, and projection mapping of the stadium. Here’s a glimpse of the experience.
Furthermore, Pete provided us with his thoughts on the impact of technology on the game of Tennis.
“I think it’s great. From an equipment standpoint, and performance tracking, the more information players get, the better. Anything that can enhance body fitness, diet, and player improvement is good for the game in the long term. Whether it’s wearable devices, apps, racket technology or better shoes, it will only make the game better and keep fans engaged.”
The tennis legend also recognized that technology does have its limits and there will always be a need for a coach and human touch. “Coaches still have a huge part to play. Whether it’s preparing you mentally before a big match, or providing insights on what a player needs to work on to perfect his game, or a report on your next opponent, these are things only a coach will be able to give.”
Finally, with the US Open starting on Monday, how does he feel about US Men’s Tennis’ prospects? Is he worried about the current state of American tennis with no US player in the top 20 coming into the Slam?
“It’s going to take some time. It’s a cycle. The game has improved a lot. All over the world, more and more people are playing tennis as opposed to soccer, and there’s more competition. The US has good players coming up – such as Taylor- but it will take time.”
Hopefully, with fans getting a glimpse to feel what the tennis legend went through during his career, more US fans will pick up the racket and enhance America’s standing in world tennis.