Forest Hills resident Jose Romero has served as a ballboy at the US Open in recent years, but on a chilly Saturday morning at the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing, Romero had the chance to be a part of tournament action himself.
Romero was one of over 100 players competing in the men’s singles draw of the US Open Eastern Sectional Playoffs, in which the winner advances to a national event for the chance at a qualifying wild card for this year’s US Open. Facing off against Oscar Medina of East Northport, Romero held his own in long baseline exchanges, but was ushered out of the tournament with a 6-2, 6-1 defeat.
“The experience was awesome,” said Romero, who works as a consultant in financial services for CitiGroup. “You’re playing on the same courts as the players in the US Open do, and to have Arthur Ashe Stadium looming over you is just inspiring.”
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Romero won the first game of the match with an easy service hold, but found himself frustrated by Medina’s off-speed drop shots and slices.
“Between his style of play and the chilly conditions, it was hard to get into any kind of rhythm,” said Romero.
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Romero said he served as a ballboy in the US Open two years ago, standing on court for some of the biggest names in tennis including American John Isner, and Victoria Azarenka of Belarus.
Despite being an admitted weekend warrior who competes in recreational USTA leagues, Romero said he gave himself a chance to claim the title during the finals next Sunday.
“You have to dream big,” said Romero. “If you get a couple of walkovers and play the best tennis of your life for a few days, anything can happen. If nothing else, playing in this has given me an idea of the areas in my game that I need to work on for the future.”
The US Open National Playoffs are open to any player over the age of 14, and participants can be of any playing level. The winner of each sectional qualifying tournament will advance into a national tournament at Yale University from August 18-22. The winner of the national tournament will receive a wild card into the qualifying draw of the Men’s singles event at the US Open, held from August 23-September 11.
Tournament play will continue until April 22. To follow the rest of the events results, visit the tournament drawsheet.