The Tennis Traveler: Do New York City like your favorite US Open player

Tennis players, fans, and media have swarmed to the Big Apple for one last major hoorah at the US Open. But beyond the tennis circus in Flushing Meadows, there’s plenty more to see, do and taste across the city’s five boroughs.

If you’re in town for the tennis, your tourist itinerary may already include classics like the Empire State Building, exhibitions at The Met and MoMA, and a trip to the Times Square steps (for anyone brave enough), or even newer NYC experiences like walking the High Line, or looking out from The Edge in Hudson Yards or SUMMIT One Vanderbilt.

But if you want to add a few lesser-known spots to your trip, we’ve got you covered with these ATP and WTA player-approved recommendations.

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From Matteo Berrettini and Jasmine Paolini’s favorite Italian restaurant, to Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams’ go-to hotels, Baseline has planned out the ultimate New York City tennis trip.

1. Nick Kyrgios in Juice Form

Have you or a loved one ever wondered what 'Nick Kyrgios in juice form' would taste like? Trendy juicery Joe & The Juice answers that question.

During the US Open, you can try “The Big Smash by Nick Kyrgios" for a crisp $14.50. Made with strawberries, pitaya powder, banana, date puree, creatine, collagen, and whey protein, this coconut drink is the refreshing taste to the humid summer weather.

For the next twenty-four days, Joe & The Juice is hosting “The Big Smash Prize Draw with Nick Kyrgios,” where lucky winners can win anything from a signed Yonex racquet to a meet-and-greet plus a private hitting session with the Aussie himself.

2. Aryna Sabalenka's Refreshing Serve

Not to be outdone, the WTA's world No. 2 recently unveiled her own signature food collab with Oakberry. ‘The Power Serve Bowl by Sabalenka’, her first signature açaí bowl, is made with blueberry, whey protein, peanut butter, chia pudding, cacao nibs, and of course, Oakberry açaí.

Just keep an eye on the order of play: You can get a 30% discount on the Power Serve Bowl during each of Sabalenka’s US Open matches when ordering through the company’s new OAKBERRY app.

Read More: Aryna Sabalenka partners with Oakberry for her first signature açaí bowl

“I was thrilled to serve my own bowl to everyone who showed-up at the store in New York for the first time, and I can’t wait to see the reactions on social media when Oakberry gives fans everywhere the chance to try it out.”

3. The Suite Life in NYC

Tennis players are scattered around hotels in the city during the US Open. Most of them opt for Midtown residence, as it is most convenient for US Open commuting. If you're looking to line up for a selfie, or just live the Top 10 lifestyle for a few nights, here's where to check in:

The St. Regis New York—just a corner and a half away from MoMA—has been known to house the top seeds during their time in New York. This year, No. 2 seed Aryna Sabalenka is among residing there, as confirmed through her Instagram stories.

The Lotte New York Palace is another popular pick for players, known for housing champions including Rafael Nadal, Serena and Venus Williams and more in US Opens past. This year, No. 3 seed Carlos Alcaraz has been among those enjoying the Palace life with his team and family.

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The Palace is also well-known for hosting events during Fan Week before the tournament officially kicks off, like its annual Palace Invitational which pits its top-ranked guests against each other for a fun photo-op.

4. Get a Bagel, Any Bagel

It’s true what they say: New York bagels are unmatched. But while a good bagel is not hard to come by in the city, tennis fans during the US Open should listen closely:

Ess-a-bagel, specifically its Turtle Bay location, produces quality bagels from the early morning hours every day of the week. Once a year, this highly regarded bagel shop also becomes a popular player spotting location as the perfect pitstop before hitting the road to Queens.

5. Italian Dining with Italian Players

What do the East Village and the US Open have in common? Italian tennis players, of course!

Via Della Place is a popular trattoria among the Italians on tour. Lorenzo Musetti, Lucia Bronzetti, and Flavio Cobolli were recently spotted dining together in the beloved location, and Matteo Berrettini is another frequent visitor when he’s in town. Not to mention it's received the "gold" stamp from Olympic champions Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini, who reprised their doubles partnership at this year’s Open.

Open every day of the week, Via Della Place offers authentic Italian cuisine, and a comforting atmosphere for all. Italian films play on mute on TVs, and soccer and tennis memorabilia are spotted on the adjoining walls.

6. French It Up

If your palatte is still feeling Parisian nostalgia from the Olympics, you can get your French fix in New York City complete with food and dancing. Two notable restaurants in recent years have been Le Baratin and The Odeon.

The first is a French bistro in the West Village with French-speaking staff, serving French classics like escargot and steak frites. Coco Gauff posted Le Baratin on her Instagram stories, saying "my fav restaurant in NYC! Been coming for 4+ years now." Brunch-lovers prepare yourselves, because they do have a separate brunch menu for the daily consumer.

The latter restaurant is located in Tribeca, where the more upscale experience leaves tastebuds wanting more.

7. Dance the Night Away

And how about the dancing? Rumor has it, Tao is a popular French-player destination. While they do have dining options, we all know the real reason to attend is to dance the night away—or perhaps a first-round loss?

There are multiple Tao locations throughout Manhattan, but something tells me that as the US Open intensifies, the Uptown location is your best bet for player spotting as that's the closest location to their hotels.