We talkin' about practice: A different and up-close look at the stars

Away from the stadiums, a look at the the action—and inaction—on some of the US Open's liveliest courts.

Published Sep 05, 2019

We talkin' about practice: A different and up-close look at the stars

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Compared to the giant-sized stadium courts just a light jog away, the US Open's practice courts appear small and simple. But consider this: for players, they are a place to prepare tactics for a specific matchup, get a feel for the day's conditions, and sharpen any areas that need addressing before their next match. It's also an environment where they can loosen up—allowing fans to see the lighter side of the hard-working athlete.

Here, in this series of photographs from Anita Aguilar, we see the action—and inaction—on some of the Open's liveliest courts:

Gael Monfils always has time for trick shots and poking fun in between his training sessions. Here, the Frenchman's bright personality lights up the camera in full force.

We talkin' about practice: A different and up-close look at the stars

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Anita Aguilar/Tennis.com

Sometimes, schedules put unexpected players side-by-side. In this shot, 18-time major champion Rafael Nadal and 15-year-old American prodigy Coco Gauff simultaneously work on their serves.

We talkin' about practice: A different and up-close look at the stars

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Anita Aguilar/Tennis.com

Coaches are an integral part of these sessions. Here, Madison Keys receives feedback from Juan Todero.

We talkin' about practice: A different and up-close look at the stars

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Oh to be the water bottle in this conversation. We wonder what Alexander Zverev is pondering as fellow German Boris Becker stops by for a chat.

We talkin' about practice: A different and up-close look at the stars

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Anita Aguilar/Tennis.com

Elina Svitolina looks over alongside coach Andrew Bettles during a break. Svitolina advanced to her second consecutive major semifinal and faced Serena Williams Thursday night.

We talkin' about practice: A different and up-close look at the stars

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Anita Aguilar/Tennis.com

Success! Caroline Wozniacki was clearly pleased with the work put in.

We talkin' about practice: A different and up-close look at the stars

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Anita Aguilar/Tennis.com

We talkin' about practice: A different and up-close look at the stars

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Wake up every morning with Tennis Channel Live at the US Open, starting at 8 a.m. ET. For three hours leading up to the start of play, Tennis Channel's team will break down upcoming matches, review tournament storylines and focus on everything Flushing Meadows.

Tennis Channel's encore, all-night match coverage will begin every evening at 11 p.m. ET, with the exception of earlier starts on Saturday and Sunday of championship weekend.

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